The Indiana Fever entered the 2024 WNBA season with soaring hopes and a roster brimming with talent, headlined by rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. But just weeks into the campaign, the Fever find themselves in the throes of an unprecedented injury crisis, forcing the franchise to make a critical roster decision that could shape their season’s trajectory.
A Season Derailed by Injuries
The Fever’s early season form suggested a team on the rise. With Clark orchestrating the offense and key contributions from veterans and role players alike, Indiana looked poised to compete for a playoff berth. But basketball, as ever, is a game of attrition, and the Fever’s depth has been tested in brutal fashion.
First came the blow that left the league buzzing: Caitlin Clark, the team’s offensive engine and a nightly 19-point threat, suffered a quadriceps injury. Though her absence was projected to be short—she’s expected back by June 10th—the impact was immediate and profound. The Fever dropped two consecutive games, their offense sputtering without Clark’s shot creation and floor vision.
As if losing their star wasn’t enough, the Fever’s next game brought more heartbreak. In a cruel twist of fate, both Cydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham, two key guards, went down in the same contest. Colson exited with an upper leg injury after a collision with teammate JC Sheldon, while Cunningham rolled her ankle late in the fourth quarter. Suddenly, Indiana was staring at the prospect of fielding just eight healthy players, with only two true guards—Lexie Hull and Kelsey Mitchell—available for the next matchup.
The “Break Glass” Rule: WNBA’s Emergency Hardship Exception
With their roster decimated, the Fever turned to a little-known but crucial WNBA regulation: the emergency hardship exception. This rule allows teams with fewer than ten available players to sign a temporary replacement, ensuring that squads can continue to compete even amid injury crises.
“We’re down in numbers, but we’re looking at adding another player, a replacement player to help us with our numbers,” confirmed Indiana Fever President Kelly Kroskoff. The urgency is palpable. Though MRI results for Colson and Cunningham were more positive than feared, their return timelines remain uncertain. “Right now, it’s a day-to-day thing,” said head coach Stephanie White. “We’re looking forward to hopefully them returning sooner rather than later, but at the same time, it depends on how each of them progresses in rehab.”
With the Fever set to face the Washington Mystics and only eight players likely to suit up, the need for reinforcements is immediate and unavoidable.
Who Will Fill the Void? Familiar Faces and New Opportunities
The question now dominating Fever fan forums and social media is simple: Who will the team bring in? The answer is far from straightforward.
On one hand, there’s an argument for familiarity. Grace Berger, the Fever’s seventh overall pick in the 2023 WNBA Draft, spent two seasons with Indiana before being waived in February. Though her contributions were modest, Berger’s size, steadiness, and knowledge of the Fever’s system could make her an ideal stopgap. She recently attended training camp with the Minnesota Lynx but is currently a free agent, making her an immediately available option.
On the other hand, some fans are clamoring for new blood. Chennedy Carter, a dynamic guard known for her scoring ability, is a popular suggestion among supporters. Others have floated names like Megan McConnell, Ari McDonald, DJ Kelly, Ariel Powers, and Sydney Aalter. Each brings a unique skill set, but the Fever’s needs are specific: a guard who can defend, facilitate, and fit within the team’s limited salary cap space.
Head coach Stephanie White has made her criteria clear: “Best player available at that position who can add value at both ends of the floor.” That narrows the field considerably.
Ari McDonald, recently cut by the Los Angeles Sparks, emerges as a particularly intriguing candidate. Though she’s struggled at times to generate her own offense, McDonald is a true point guard and a tenacious perimeter defender—qualities that align perfectly with White’s requirements. Her experience and defensive prowess could help stabilize the Fever’s backcourt until their regulars return.
Navigating the Cap: The Fever’s Financial Puzzle
Complicating matters is the Fever’s salary cap situation. With just $43,060 in available space for the 2025 season, Indiana must find a player who not only meets their basketball needs but also fits financially. In a league where roster sizes are already limited—just 11 per team—every signing is magnified.
“You have an 11-player roster and you lose three players like that, you have to add a player to your roster,” said Kroskoff. “It’s something that you just deal with being in this league. With the roster sizes being a little bit smaller, that’s why you try to build for depth.”
Depth, however, is a luxury the Fever currently lack. The front office’s ability to navigate the cap and identify a player who can contribute immediately will be a testament to their resourcefulness and scouting acumen.
The Human Element: Team Chemistry and Resilience
Beyond the X’s and O’s, the Fever’s predicament is a test of their resilience and chemistry. Losing three guards in two weeks would be a gut punch for any team, but for a young squad still forging its identity, the challenge is even greater.
Early in the season, chemistry was already a “shaky subject,” as the team worked to integrate new faces and establish roles. Now, with key players sidelined, the Fever must rely on their remaining core to keep the season afloat. The locker room’s response—both to the adversity and to any new addition—will be critical.
Looking Ahead: A Defining Moment
As the Fever scramble to finalize their emergency signing, the stakes are clear. Every game matters in the WNBA’s condensed schedule, and dropping further in the standings could jeopardize the team’s playoff aspirations.
Yet, adversity often reveals character. For Indiana, this moment is an opportunity—not just to survive, but to galvanize the roster and discover unexpected contributors. Whether the replacement is a familiar face like Grace Berger or a new arrival such as Ari McDonald, the Fever’s response to this crisis will define their season.
For fans, the coming days will be filled with anticipation and debate. For the Fever, it’s time to “break the glass” and see who’s ready to answer the call.
