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Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark (left) and four-time WNBA champion Sue Bird (right). Photo credits: Imagn images

'If She Had Players Who Could Create Shots': Caitlin Clark’s Championship Blue Print Revealed By WNBA Legend

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Dan Agulto | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 11:46 AM ET

Caitlin Clark has been carrying the offensive load this season—and WNBA icon Sue Bird isn’t holding back on what’s missing. On her “Bird’s Eye View” podcast, Bird dropped a strategy bomb:

“It’d be really beneficial for her if she had players around her who could create shots for her…that’s where Aari McDonald might have some impact.”

That remark isn’t just podcast chatter—it’s a roadmap for the Caitlin Clark era in Indiana.

Bird knows winning in the WNBA isn’t just about raw talent; it’s about surrounding your star with creative weapons. So far, Clark’s had to manufacture offense nightly, pulling up step-backs and logo threes to bail the Fever out. As Bird pointed out, she’s doing double duty—putting up points and trying to make plays off-ball.

Enter Aari McDonald. A playmaker with quick release and tight handles, she could finally free Clark to focus on killing defenses, not creating them. The Fever’s recent signing of McDonald—fresh from her Sparks stint—lines up neatly with Bird’s blueprint.

Fact is, Caitlin Clark won’t reach title contention solo. The WNBA is littered with clutch stars who needed pass-first guards to reach the next tier. Look at the Aces or Sky rosters—when stars get help, they thrive.

May 17, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Chicago Sky center Kamilla Cardoso (10) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

If the Fever want a legit flip from rebuild to contender, this feels like the turning point. Clark’s not slumping—she’s stepping into greatness. Now it’s all about the right pieces.

And as Bird laid it out, Caitlin Clark’s blueprint to rings runs through playmakers—not just shot-takers. Bring. The. Hits.

Teammate Lexie Hull Backs Caitlin Clark Through Slump

Caitlin Clark isn’t losing sleep over shooting woes—her teammate Lexie Hull made that crystal clear. Hull shed light on how the star guard is handling things behind the scenes.

“She’ll be fine. We are not worried about it,” Hull said. “She’s a great shooter, great player, this happens to every great player.” That’s full support from a key teammate, reinforcing just how the Caitlin Clark camp is holding steady amid growing slump chatter.

Jun 24, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) shoots the ball during warmups before the game against the Seattle Storm at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Clark’s recent shooting struggles—from heat-check threes to forced mid-range attempts—had fans and media buzzing. But Hull’s confidence suggests the Caitlin Clark foundation is stronger than a cold streak and a few missed looks in a row.

What this tells us? The team isn’t hitting panic mode. Caitlin Clark gets her cheers from inside the locker room, even when the scoreboard’s not lighting up her stats. That internal belief can be gold when the momentum swings.

Jun 22, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Las Vegas Aces at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-Imagn Images

Caitlin Clark’s journey isn’t defined by one rough patch. Lexie Hull’s message: it’s expected. They’re locked in for the long haul—and expecting the tide to turn. Because when Caitlin Clark snaps back, it won’t just be points—it’ll be statement basketball. Powerful.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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