Now that the return of Caitlin Clark seems to be around the corner, the Indiana Fever must prepare to potential chances this may bring. Some people are even saying that Stephanie White’s position as a head coach could be on the line when Clark returns.
Sports analyst Jason Whitlock, spoke on his YouTube show about how White’s job could be questioned if the team fails to click once Clark gets back from injury..
Whitlock said that even though the Fever’s exciting 99-93 win over the Connecticut Sun showed the team’s strong spirit, it may only have delayed the doubts about White’s leadership.
If it doesn’t work when she [Clark] comes back, that’s when we should really be blaming Stephanie White. She’s been gifted the two best bucket-getters in the league. If she doesn’t know how to utilize them… it’s her job on the line
Balancing talent and chemistry between players
The Fever has found a fresh spark without Clark, leaning on Kelsey Mitchell performances, as she is scored 38 points in their latest game. With Aliyah Boston and Natasha Howard also strong in the front, the team has kept up its pace even without Clark and other injured players.
However, with Clark coming back soon, there is added pressure to the team. It might be hard for her to readapt into a team that switched their style since her absence, in order to work well together. ESPN’s Taylor Tannebaum warned that the Fever are not assuming Clark will instantly fix their problems, as they remain wise and careful.
“They’re operating as if Caitlin Clark is not coming back,” Tannebaum noted, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding her return from a lingering groin injury.
Clark’s time without playing matters
Clark has now missed 13 games this season because of her groin injury. Earlier in the season, she also missed games due to quadriceps and other groin issues, making the team’s lineup less stable. Yet, the Fever sits sixth in the league with nine games remaining, holding onto a playoff spot but with a tight error-marging.
The timing of her return could decide Fever’s playoff chances and, as some say, White’s future in the team.
A lot of things at risk
If Clark and Mitchell work well together, the Fever might have a real chance to achieve glory in the playoffs. If not, people will question White’s work in handling top players, a key factor for long-term achievements in the WNBA.
For now, fans wait for Clark’s return, knowing it could change the Fever’s year and maybe even the team’s future.
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