WNBA Legend States Her Caitlin Clark Position Amid Difficult ‘Fever Scenarios’ Linked to Her Injury Return

“She’s the offensive engine of Indiana. You can see how she elevates not just the Fever but the entire league.” This is how Lisa Leslie described Caitlin Clark. After all, her 2024 rookie campaign was nothing short of historic. As the first player in league history to record 20+ points, 15+ assists, and 5+ rebounds in a single game, she stamped herself as an elite playmaker whose deep shooting and court vision changed how defenses schemed against the Indiana Fever. Her impact as both scorer and facilitator transformed the Fever into a must-watch team, igniting record viewership and attendance across the league. But when Clark was forced to the sidelines this year, the Fever’s offensive balance collapsed.

After clinching the 2025 Commissioner’s Cup, thanks to their defensive grit, the team proved it could survive without her firepower. However, the cracks soon began to surface. The Fever’s backcourt was reduced to patchwork, forcing head coach Stephanie White into a carousel of hardship contracts just to keep the roster afloat. Each shuffle tested chemistry, and each signing reminded the league of just how different this team looks without its offensive engine. “I hate to see any athlete injured, but Caitlin, after her rookie season, it’s been difficult,” Cynthia Cooper admitted, summarizing the concern around Fever’s future. As Clark’s injuries mounted, a left quad sprain, a groin issue, and finally a bone bruise, the question grew louder, not just when she would return, but whether it would be wise to risk rushing her back at all.

The WNBA legend echoed that very sentiment on the latest episode of We Need To Talk. “I know how frustrating it is for her to want to perform and want to be there for her team and not be able to do it. And not be able to give 100%,” Cooper began. “But I also know how important it is for her to heal. You’ve got to heal. You can’t go through a season dipping in, coming out, going in, coming out, dipping in, getting sitting back down. Just heal.”

For Cooper, the message was simple: patience through it all. She urged Clark to focus on her health and embrace recovery rather than chase short-term fixes.”Because when we see Caitlin Clark, we want to see the real Caitlin Clark. We want to see you play the way we know you’re capable of playing with the fire you bring to every single game and every single competition, right?” she said. “Every single matchup we want to see you shine. So, heal, sweetheart. Let your leg heal so when you come out, you’re firing on all cylinders and you’re the Caitlin Clark.”

The legend’s advice struck a chord because everyone remembers Clark’s rookie brilliance. Her fearless drives, the logo threes, the relentless tempo that kept defenders scrambling. Directly addressing the sophomore star, Cooper reminded her that she wasn’t just repeating history, but on the cusp of rewriting it. “You’re better than the Caitlin Clark we saw your rookie year. And so, keep your mind right. I know she has a great support system. Her parents are fantastic. Keep your mind right during this phase that you have to heal. Just keep your fire going and be ready to step back out there on the court, both physically and mentally.”

Before being sidelined this season, Clark was averaging 16.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in just 13 games. That is why her absence left the Fever scrambling. And they had no choice but to lean heavily on replacement contracts. While Odyssey Sims stabilized the backcourt, Shey Peddy offered veteran control, and Aerial Powers was brought in as yet another hardship contract. These moves have kept the team competitive, stepping into playoff contention. But this comes at the cost of consistent rhythm and continuity.

But if Clark is cleared to return before the season ends, Fever will face tough decisions on those very hardship signings. Sims has proven indispensable by adding her worth and veteran experience in every match. Peddy too has showcased resilience, but Powers barely scratched the rotation. The Fever’s survival strategy may clash with Caitlin Clark’s comeback. After all, Aerial Powers’ hardship contract hangs by a thread.

Indiana Fever renews another hardship contract

The Indiana Fever came to terms with a fast-depleting roster and a thinning backcourt by signing hardship contracts. And the latest player to jump into the deal was none other than Aerial Powers. The veteran guard joined the Indiana Fever on a seven-day hardship contract ahead of the recent games against the Minnesota Lynx.

But Powers’ deal naturally came to an end today. In spite of letting the athlete free, the Fever front office entered another seven-day hardship contract with the player. The 2016 overall No. 5 pick has a championship experience. Besides, she has had stints across franchises, including the Dallas Wings, Atlanta Dream, and Washington Mystics.

Powers was a thoughtful and strong addition to improve the backcourt depth. The former Valkyries athlete added a total of 9 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists in the recent game against the Los Angeles Sparks. With a renewed contract with the Indiana Fever, it will be crucial to witness whether the athlete propels the team into the playoffs and beyond.