As star guard Caitlin Clark continues to recover from her third injury of the season, Candace Parker has issued a bold warning: her return could be scary for the rest of the WNBA. The rookie superstar for the Indiana Fever has been sidelined since mid-July and has now missed a total of 18 games, posing a significant challenge for her team.
Despite her absence, the Indiana Fever have maintained a solid performance, powered by standout efforts from Aaliyah Boston, Kelsey Mitchell, and Aari McDonald. Even with occasional offensive struggles, the team has found ways to adapt and secure key wins.
Candace Parker highlights Clark’s growing tactical awareness
On the Post Moves podcast, three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker discussed how Clark’s time off the court could actually enhance her impact when she returns. “When you’re on the bench, you get to see the game from a different angle. Caitlin has a super high basketball IQ, and that’s going to make her even more dangerous,” Parker said.
The former player emphasized that Clark is using her time away to deeply study the team’s dynamics and identify opportunities to contribute more effectively. According to Parker, that will make her a more strategic and dominant version of herself.
Indiana Fever are preparing to come back even stronger
In Clark’s absence, Aaliyah Boston has emerged as a dominant force in the paint, racking up a series of double-doubles. Mitchell has stepped up with high-scoring performances, while McDonald, Sophie Cunningham, and Natasha Howard have also raised their level of play.
This collective growth, Parker says, is exactly what will make Clark’s return even more impactful. “She’s going to come back and make everyone better. And that’s scary. Indiana is already a dangerous team, but with Caitlin watching, learning, and preparing, they’re going to be even stronger,” she concluded.
Clark’s stats and her WNBA potential
Before her injury, Caitlin Clark was averaging 16.5 points, 8.8 assists, and 5 rebounds per game, with a solid 44.1% shooting efficiency. Though her season has been marked by physical ups and downs, her production has been remarkable for a rookie.
With the experience she’s gained from the sidelines and a rising team around her, Clark’s return could reshape the WNBA landscape as the regular season nears its end. As Candace Parker put it plainly: “The Fever with a healthy Caitlin Clark… are scary.”
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