Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, the number one overall pick, continues to sit out this WNBA
season after sustaining a right groin strain on July 15th.
Clark has now missed 16 consecutive games, and her return remains uncertain, leaving fans and the franchise grappling with tough decisions.
Head coach Stephanie White, however, remains optimistic.
“She’s progressed in her rehab, and I anticipate that by hopefully the end of the week, she’ll be on the floor at least in practice,” White said, referring to Clark’s recovery from a mild bone bruise and a persistent groin injury.
The star point guard recently managed a brief walkthrough before facing the Seattle Storm, a small but encouraging step in her rehabilitation. Yet the focus has shifted from whether Clark can play this season to whether she should.
Lisa Leslie’s stark warning
WNBA Hall of Famer and three-time MVP Lisa Leslie has weighed in, advising the Fever to exercise extreme caution.
Appearing on CBS Sports’ We Need to Talk, Leslie stressed that the young star’s long-term health must take precedence over any short-term gains on the court.
“This is not an injury to take lightly,” Leslie said. “One wrong move could easily re-aggravate the problem. The team needs to focus on her career longevity rather than a brief playoff boost.”
She added that while Clark could “provide an amazing boost”, she emphasized, while speaking as a coach and general manager, that the Fever should focus on seeing “Caitlin Clark for the longevity of her career.”
Leslie‘s comments underline a delicate balancing act for Indiana. While Clark‘s impact is undeniable-averaging 16.5 points and nearly 9 assists per game when healthy-rushing her back too soon could carry severe consequences.
Balancing immediate needs with long-term strategy
The Fever have approached Clark‘s recovery cautiously. She has participated in limited practice sessions, but no official timetable has been announced for her return.
When Clark attempted an early return from a two-week rest, the results were sobering. Fatigue affected her efficiency, and she aggravated her groin, making the risks of rushing back painfully clear.
Her long-term health remains the top priority, especially as both she and the franchise envision a decade-long impact.
Clark‘s influence on the court is hard to overstate. Despite missing 16 consecutive games, she has maintained averages of 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, all while managing multiple injuries.
Known for her three-point shooting and high-energy play, Clark draws attention not only from fans but also from television networks and ticket buyers.
Fever games featuring Clark have seen television ratings jump nearly 30 percent, while resale ticket prices at Gainbridge Fieldhouse nearly doubled before her injury.
Her absence has created both a competitive and financial challenge for the franchise.
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