The Indiana Fever signed veteran point guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract, in order to adjust the roster to the many losses caused by a string of injuries.
Peddy, 36, joins a thinning roster of a franchise already missing several key players, including Sophie Cunningham, who suffered a season-ending MCL injury, and Caitlin Clark, out due to a groin injury.
From an ‘unsettling’ preparation method to a professional one
Peddy addressed and described her earlier experience with Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA as “unsettling” because the coaches used to place her directly into games with not enough practice and preparation time beforehand.
“It’s challenging to contribute effectively when you don’t have the time to adjust to the team’s rhythm,” Peddy said. With Fever, though, she will have practice sessions even during the games, which she indicated would enable her to create more chemistry with teammates while also regain her confidence on the court.
Peddy, what the Fever currently need
Assistant coach Stephanie White added the need for a balancing presence in the backcourt. “We needed a player who can step in immediately and provide experience and leadership,” White said. “Shey’s professionalism and knowledge of the game will be vital as we navigate these next few weeks.”
The Fever also misses the quality of their main star, Cailtin Clark who is out with a left ankle bone bruise and groin strain. Clark’s absence makes Peddy’s veteran leadership to increase in importance, as she can serve as a mentor to rookies but also as a tool to facilitate the offense actions during games. Peddy might also bring some defensive grit that the Fever badly need, as they have been struggling in transition defense lately, experts admit.
Ambicious goals for the end of the season
With Peddy on board, the Fever expect to regain some stability and continuity as they persevere through the midseason downhill. Her known combination of experience, leadership, and immediate contribution ability might be a deciding factor and advatange in remaining competitive and coping with multiple injuries at the same time.
Believe it or not, her signing could be crucial for the final interest of a team that desires to be on top of every competition.
Read the full article here
