It wasn’t a matter of if, only when.
Tamika Catchings will have her number officially retired and hung in the rafters of Bankers Life Fieldhouse this upcoming season. Appropriately, 24 will be celebrated once more during a ceremony on June 24th, when the Fever host the Los Angeles Sparks, the 2016 WNBA Champions. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
Of course no other player in Fever history would wear number 24, the only number the Hall of Fame player and person wore in her 16 years with the franchise.
Catchings will become the fifth player to have their number hanging in the rafters, joining George McGinnis, Reggie Miller, and Roger Brown of the Pacers. Former Fever head coach Lin Dunn (2008-14) has her name hung on a banner as well.
[VIDEO: Catchings looks ahead to her final games, and back on her Hall of Fame career]
The Fever announced the date, along with their 2017 schedule Tuesday. The Pokey Chatman Era begins on May 14th as the team opens its season in Seattle. They play in Seattle on the 17th, with their home opener to follow on May 20th against the Connecticut Sun.
Retirement gifts given to Catchings as the franchise celebrated her Hall of Fame career:
