Caitlin Clark’s second WNBA season was meant to build on her historic rookie campaign, but instead it has turned into a test of patience.
Sidelined by a string of injuries, the Indiana Fever’s young star has been forced to watch from the bench as her team battles through adversity. And while fans eagerly await her return, some of the sport’s biggest names are urging caution.
Lisa Leslie, one of the league’s defining figures, summed up Clark’s importance bluntly. “She’s the offensive engine of Indiana,” Leslie said. “You can see how she elevates not just the Fever but the entire league.”
That impact was clear in 2024, when Clark became the first player in WNBA history to tally 20 points, 15 assists, and 5 rebounds in a single game.
Her combination of deep shooting range, vision, and tempo control made Indiana one of the most exciting teams in the league and turned the Fever into a national draw.
This season, however, has been more about survival. Clark’s absence has left the Fever relying on defensive grit and emergency roster additions to stay competitive.
The injuries have piled up, a quad strain, a groin setback, and most recently a bone bruise, raising questions about whether it is wise to push her back into action before she is fully healthy. Cynthia Cooper, another WNBA legend, spoke directly to that concern.
“I know how frustrating it is for her to want to perform and want to be there for her team and not be able to do it,” Cooper said on We Need To Talk.
“But I also know how important it is for her to heal. You can’t go through a season dipping in, coming out, going in, coming out. Just heal.”
Fever patching holes while waiting for their star
The Fever briefly managed to thrive without their centerpiece, winning the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup on the back of tough defense. But as the grind of the season continued, the cracks started to show.
With the backcourt stretched thin, head coach Stephanie White has had to lean on a carousel of hardship contracts just to keep a functional rotation.
Odyssey Sims provided steadiness, Shey Peddy offered veteran control, and Aerial Powers joined most recently as another short-term signing. Each player has given valuable minutes, but every move underscored the same reality-without Clark, Indiana’s system lacks balance.
Aliyah Boston, the All-Star forward who flourished as Clark’s pick-and-roll partner, has perhaps felt the strain most. Analyst Tony East explained how her output has dipped amid constant lineup changes.
“When she is more comfortable in a system, in her partnership with a player, she is more effective,” East noted. The Fever’s inability to establish that consistency has forced Boston to adjust game by game, often without the rhythm that made her such a reliable scorer last season.
A difficult decision ahead
Clark’s numbers before her injuries showed why the Fever are desperate to have her back. In 13 appearances, she averaged 16.5 points, five rebounds, and nearly nine assists, producing at a level that few guards in the league can match.
But her return would force difficult roster calls. Sims and Peddy have proven their value, while Powers has offered sparks off the bench. At least one of those players could lose their spot once Clark is cleared.
For Cooper, though, the bigger picture matters far more than roster mechanics. “When we see Caitlin Clark, we want to see the real Caitlin Clark,” she said. “Let your leg heal so when you come out, you’re firing on all cylinders and you’re the Caitlin Clark.”
That message was echoed by Leslie, who reminded fans of the excitement Clark brings when she’s fully herself. Her logo-range threes, fearless drives, and relentless tempo turned every Fever game into an event. Both Leslie and Cooper believe that rushing her back risks dimming that spark.
The Fever remain in playoff contention, thanks to stopgap signings and Boston’s steady contributions. But the long-term picture is clear: Clark’s health will determine whether Indiana can become more than just a resilient team scraping for wins.
“You’re better than the Caitlin Clark we saw your rookie year,” Cooper told her. “Keep your fire going and be ready to step back out there on the court, both physically and mentally.”
For now, that advice may be the hardest for Clark to follow. The competitive fire that made her a phenomenon still burns. But if the Fever are to truly rise, the wait for a fully healthy Caitlin Clark might be the most important play of all.
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