New Indiana Fever Player Sends Clear Message Amid Caitlin Clark's Injury

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 4:41 PM ET

The Indiana Fever are amid a three-game losing streak and have started their 2025 WNBA season with a 2-4 record. However, the franchise is dealing with some other concerns.

All-WNBA guard Caitlin Clark suffered a left quad strain in a May 24 loss to the New York Liberty, leaving her out for at least two weeks. Fellow guards Sydney Colson (leg) and Sophie Cunningham (ankle) were both injured during Friday's loss as well.

With Indiana short on guards for the foreseeable future, the Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald via emergency hardship exception. This allows any team to sign a player if it drops below 10 game-eligible players.

Out of Arizona, McDonald was selected third overall with the No. 3 pick in the first round of the 2021 WNBA Draft. After spending her first three seasons with the Atlanta Dream, McDonald was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2024. For her career, she averaged 8.6 points, 2.0 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game.

McDonald took part in her first practice with the Fever on Monday. Afterward, when asked what it's like to join Indiana, McDonald shared her thoughts.

"Very anxious, like it felt weird sitting at home just watching the game this time of the year," McDonald said. "But when I got the call, I was very blessed. It’s a humbling experience to join a team like the Fever. I’m just excited and ready to compete and just win.”

aari mcdonald on joining the fever:

“when i got the call... i was very excited, very blessed, it’s a humbling experience to join a team like the fever. i’m just excited and ready to compete and just win.” pic.twitter.com/qhdjyTNbvw
— cc akgae (@clrkszn) June 2, 2025

The Fever will face the Washington Mystics on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET, and coach Stephanie White believes McDonald will have to play.

"Yeah, I mean she's got to play," White said. "She's brought in here to play, to handle the ball. We'll do a good job of keeping it simple for her. But she's a player and this is what she does."

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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