Caitlin Clark makes monumental decision as Fever try to hold onto playoff berth

"I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season," Clark wrote on X on Thursday. "I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn't a big enough word to describe how I am feeling."

The Fever have been without Clark since July 15 while she rehabbed a groin injury. A report also surfaced in August that Clark got hurt again during a workout. The injury was believed to be a bone bruise on her right ankle, which was confirmed by the team on Thursday. 

"Caitlin has worked so hard throughout this time, doing everything possible to recover and return to the court but, ultimately, time is not on our side," Fever COO and GM Amber Cox said in a statement. "While we will continue working with Caitlin and provide her with every resource we have available, there is not enough time left in our season to safely return, and her long-term health and well-being remain our top priority." 

How Caitlin Clark's absence impacts the Indiana Fever and the WNBA

Clark played in just 13 games this year while dealing with left quad and left groin injuries, and she hadn't made more than five consecutive appearances this summer. The guard averaged 16.5 points, 8.8 assists and five rebounds in that limited time on the court.

Clark has become a transcendent star since entering the WNBA last year after a historic collegiate career at the University of Iowa. With the Hawkeyes, she became the school's all-time leading scorer, and in her first year with the Fever, she scored 769 points — the most for a rookie in WNBA history.

With Clark leading the charge, the WNBA was poised to break its 2024 ratings records, as the Fever's 41 of 44 total games were set to be nationally televised this year. Still, those ratings records could be broken with stars like rookie sensation Paige Bueckers breaking rookie records with the Dallas Wings. However, few players in women's basketball have the same star power that Clark commands.

The Fever are also not out of the postseason. The team has managed to hold onto eighth place in the standings despite the absence of its best guard. The team should still sneak into the playoffs ahead of the regular season's conclusion in October. The Fever are still a capable team and can present a challenge in the postseason, but without Clark, the Fever's ceiling is much closer to their floor.