The WNBA has a provision that allows teams to temporarily sign additional players if injuries reduce their active roster below 10 healthy players. The Indiana Fever recently found themselves in this exact situation, with key injuries affecting several of their guards, including superstar Caitlin Clark and dependable contributor Sophie Cunningham. To address their sudden depth issue, the Fever signed seasoned guard Aari McDonald, a former standout at the University of Arizona who has both WNBA and international experience.
The official press release announcing McDonald’s signing was dated June 1, but it didn’t appear on the Fever’s social media platforms until the following day. Her addition marks a crucial depth move for a team that entered the season with championship hopes and now finds itself trying to stay afloat amid a string of setbacks.
McDonald, who is entering her fifth WNBA season, was the third overall pick in the 2021 draft, selected by the Atlanta Dream. She was traded to the Los Angeles Sparks prior to the 2024 season but was waived during the final round of training camp cuts. Throughout her career, McDonald has averaged 8.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game. Her shooting efficiency has improved since her rookie campaign, boasting a career 38.9% field goal percentage and 32.3% accuracy from three-point range. Notably, she has surpassed 40% from the field in every season except her first.
One of McDonald’s key strengths is her adaptability. Over her four seasons in the league, she has played under six different head coaches. From the coach who initially drafted her but departed before her rookie year to the one overseeing the Sparks’ training camp this past spring, McDonald has continuously proven her ability to adjust to new systems and expectations.
In the 2023 season, McDonald appeared in 26 games for the Sparks, despite missing time due to injury. She maintained her consistency with an average of 8.7 points per game. Her track record illustrates a player who can contribute reliably, even when faced with adversity.
Though initially hesitant to explore opportunities abroad, McDonald’s second attempt at international play transformed her perspective. Her first stint in Hungary ended prematurely after just four games. However, she later embraced overseas play and has now spent the past two WNBA offseasons competing internationally.
Most recently, McDonald starred for the Perth Lynx in Australia’s Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL) during the 2023-24 season. She led the league in scoring with 19.8 points per game and also topped her team in assists, steals, and three-pointers made. Despite missing over a month with a torn MCL, she earned All-WNBL Second Team honors and made a strong return at the end of the regular season to push the Lynx into playoff contention.
During the postseason, McDonald mirrored her 2021 NCAA tournament run with Arizona by delivering standout performances. She scored 26 and 27 points in back-to-back games during the semifinal round, propelling her team into the finals. In the championship series, she tallied a double-double of 15 points and 10 assists to help Perth take the opening game. Though the Lynx ultimately lost the series 2-1, McDonald remained a standout, adding 26 and 21 points in the subsequent losses.
Following her WNBL success, McDonald signed with Beijing Great Wall in the Women’s Chinese Basketball Association (WCBA) this past offseason. She continued to impress individually, although her team didn’t achieve notable results. Still, her performance demonstrated her continued growth and ability to impact games at the international level.
The Fever began the 2024 season with lofty aspirations, driven in large part by the arrival of Caitlin Clark, the league’s top draft pick and one of the most talked-about prospects in recent memory. Indiana made significant offseason moves to surround Clark with a capable supporting cast, aiming to become legitimate title contenders.
However, that vision hit a roadblock early in the season. Their opening-day roster included guards Clark, Cunningham, Kelsey Mitchell, Lexie Hull, and Sydney Colson. On May 26, Clark sustained a quadriceps strain, sidelining her for at least two weeks. While her absence alone was a major blow, the situation worsened when Cunningham and Colson were injured on May 30. Suddenly, Indiana’s backcourt was decimated, forcing the front office into action.
McDonald’s signing not only adds depth but also brings versatility. Her scoring ability, court vision, and defensive presence provide much-needed stability. More importantly, she can quickly integrate into the lineup, thanks to her varied experiences and ability to learn new systems quickly.
Meanwhile, across the WNBA, storylines continue to evolve. Paige Bueckers, another standout rookie, earned her first win as a professional while playing in her old Connecticut stomping grounds. In her first five games, she became the first rookie in league history to record 60 points and 30 assists. Her Dallas Wings finally picked up a win against the Connecticut Sun, giving the team a morale boost.
In other action, the Seattle Storm dominated the reigning champion Las Vegas Aces with a resounding 102-82 victory. The game highlighted both Seattle’s rise and the Aces’ need to refine their defensive approach. Meanwhile, the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx remain the league’s only undefeated teams, fueling excitement over a potential rematch of the 2024 WNBA Finals.
Looking ahead, two games to watch over the weekend include Indiana vs. Connecticut and Minnesota vs. Phoenix. The Fever are trying to adjust to life without Clark, while the Lynx are looking to continue their unbeaten streak against an inconsistent Mercury squad.
As for Clark, her injury isn’t expected to be season-ending, but the Fever are being cautious. With winnable games ahead, it’s a strategic opportunity to rest her, especially with a longer break between June 10 and June 14. She could return for the game against Atlanta or be held out until June 14 versus New York. Either way, the move prioritizes her long-term health and keeps Indiana’s hopes alive.
Ultimately, Aari McDonald’s arrival couldn’t be timelier. Her resilience, combined with her extensive resume, makes her a valuable addition to a Fever team navigating early-season adversity. As injuries challenge even the most prepared rosters, McDonald represents a player ready to meet the moment and keep Indiana competitive while its star recuperates.
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