We’re just past midseason, and fans are more furious than ever before. Why? Because arguably the face of the league, Caitlin Clark, has barely gotten to play, missing more games (14) than she has played (13). From the Commissioner’s Cup to the All-Star 3-point contest (something she skipped last year just to make her debut in Indianapolis), she’s missed everything due to three different injuries. But here’s the catch: all of this is happening after Clark played 139 games smoothly across four years at Iowa and another 42 games in her rookie WNBA season without issue. So, clearly, something’s not right. But who’s to blame?

Clark’s left groin injury was first announced on June 26. At the time, she was listed day-to-day by Coach White. And that status didn’t change until July 8, when both CC and White told reporters during practice that they expected her to be off the injury report and available for the July 9 game. And yes, Clark did return and played the next four games. But was she 100% back?

Absolutely not. She went just 6-of-26 from the 3-point range across those four appearances. And then there is the earlier quad injury, too, which stole five of those fourteen games. For the season, she’s shooting just 36.7% from the field and 27.9% from beyond the arc. On the road, it’s even worse: a shocking 2-of-35 from downtown. So clearly, something has been off, and a lot of it has to do with injuries.

And according to ESPN’s Holly Rowe, White might have had a role to play. As Rowe said on air, “Stephanie White did tell us that they will be even more cautious in their approach to her return to play this time”. She didn’t stop there. Rowe added that Clark “didn’t receive adequate practice or ramp time” when returning from her previous left groin injury.

Now, everything aside, we can only imagine what it must be like for Caitlin Clark. As Lisa Leslie said, “I really feel for Caitlin Clark, because I actually had that injury in 2006. And listen, I was heavily taped around my thigh, around my glute..And the hard part is that the groin is an area that you can’t just go, ‘Oh, it hurts right here.’ You feel it deep, you have to get a lot of deep treatment, whether it’s ice, and heat, and rest“. However, in her further comments, Leslie also hinted that we cannot squarely blame a person.

“Well, Caitlin Clark, she can’t find a lot of rest right now because she’s midseason. But I think that injury is really tough because it lingers. No matter how much medicine you take, you can feel fine, you can get back out there. One move, one change of direction, and boom, you’re right back feeling that same type of pain. So it’s gonna have to be a tough injury that she’s gonna have to manage,” Leslie added, even saying that she still feels the injury linger.

It’s true that the team and White could have been a little more careful about making sure Clark’s injuries were adequately rehabilitated. But, to White’s credit, groin injuries are infamously tricky and never did once White mention that she wanted Clark back ASAP. “We’re going to be smart, and we’re going to be cautious. We’re going to play the long game and work her back in very intentionally“- White has said this and other numerous similar versions despite Clark itching to be back.

So what’s next for Caitlin Clark?

While there’s still no clear timeline for Clark’s return, White has emphasized the need for patience and long-term planning. Following the Fever’s post-All-Star break loss to the Liberty, she said: “These soft tissue injuries sometimes nag until you actually have time to really allow them to heal in the offseason.” Thankfully, though, no additional injuries were found as stated in an update by the team.

“Caitlin Clark underwent further medical evaluations earlier this week, which confirmed that no additional injuries or damage were discovered. Clark will continue working with the medical team on her recovery and rehabilitation, with the priority on her long-term health and well-being.” And yes, long-term health and well-being has to be the goal, because White cannot afford any more lapses because of an injury’s tricky nature.

Anyway, no one wants to hear Caitlin Clark say “This is the first time I haven’t felt like a young body that can run around and sprint every day and just continue to do that.” We just hope she gets better soon and the on-court things? They really can afford to take a backseat.

As Sophie Cunningham herself said, “Yeah, I don’t think that it affects us anymore… But I really do think that, you know, if we have Caitlin, great, and we know how to play with her. If we don’t have Caitlin, great. We know how to play without her, and I think that’s just so important.”

So, is Stephanie White to blame? What do you think?