The pressure was mounting. With Caitlin Clark drawing every defensive scheme imaginable and Aliyah Boston still finding her rhythm as a true centerpiece, the Indiana Fever needed something more. They found it in Natasha Howard, whose arrival in 2025Â gave them exactly what their championship puzzle was missing: a proven veteran who could dominate both ends of the floor while seamlessly fitting into their star-powered system.
How Does Natasha Howard’s Versatility Transform the Fever’s Lineup?
Howard represents one of the WNBA’s premier two-way forwards, blending versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess into a package that makes her a force to be reckoned with on both sides of the court.
Howard’s ability to play both the four and five positions gives coaches unprecedented flexibility in their lineups. Her extensive experience across multiple teams, including stints with the Minnesota Lynx, Seattle Storm, New York Liberty and Dallas Wings before joining the Fever, makes her a seamless fit for Indianapolis’s new-look roster.
The signing addresses the Fever’s most pressing need for a versatile power forward who could complement their established stars like Clark, Boston and Kelsey Mitchell. Howard’s basketball IQ allows her to run effective pick-and-rolls with Clark while simultaneously freeing up Boston to play more naturally by handling the demanding post duties herself.
With the Fever becoming one of the league’s most watched teams since Clark’s arrival, Howard’s personal life has naturally drawn increased attention from fans and media alike.
What Shaped Natasha Howard’s Basketball Journey?
Howard was born September 2, 1991, in Toledo, Ohio, to Latasha Howard and Howard Hicks. She grew up in a sports-oriented family, with her mother providing consistent support throughout her developing career.
Her father was a basketball coach at the University of Toledo, while her uncle, Greg Howard, also influenced her early interest in the sport. Howard has two siblings who witnessed her rise from local standout to professional star.
During her time at Morrison R. Waite High School in Toledo, Howard’s talent became undeniable. She earned the prestigious Ohio Ms. Basketball title in 2010, setting the stage for her eventual professional success.
Howard’s role model is Kevin Durant. She became a devoted fan during Durant’s stint with the Oklahoma City Thunder, drawn to his relentless work ethic and commitment to giving back to communities. For motivation, she turns to R&B and hip-hop music.
Is Natasha Howard Married?
Howard has been married to Jac’Eil Duckworth since August 20, 2024. Duckworth, a successful haircare entrepreneur who owns “The Takeover Barber and Beauty Bar” in Saint Martin, Mississippi, began dating Howard in 2023.
Their relationship broke new ground when they became the first LGBTQ+ WNBA couple to feature on VH1’s television reality show “Basketball Wives” during the show’s 10th season. The couple does not have children together, though Duckworth has a son, Prince, from a previous relationship.
However, Howard’s path to this happiness wasn’t without significant challenges. Previously, Howard was married to Jacqueline after meeting her in 2016. The two married on March 10, 2017, but their relationship eventually faced serious difficulties.
In 2019, Jacqueline accused Howard of domestic abuse, even sharing alleged evidence of the incidents on social media. Howard firmly denied these allegations, instead claiming that Jacqueline had been manipulative throughout their relationship and had even stabbed her in 2016.
The situation became even more complex when Howard revealed that Jacqueline had taken more than half a million dollars from their joint account without any consultation. These mounting issues led Howard to file for divorce in 2019, and she successfully obtained a court-granted restraining order against Jacqueline.
