Indiana Fever Sign Aari McDonald Amid Injury Woes

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indiana Fever have signed guard Aari McDonald under the WNBA emergency hardship exception, the team announced on Monday. McDonald, the No. 3 pick in the 2021 WNBA draft, is stepping in to help the Fever as they face significant injury challenges in their backcourt.

McDonald, standing 5-foot-6, has played three seasons in the league with the Atlanta Dream and one with the Los Angeles Sparks. Her career averages include 8.6 points, 2.8 assists, and 2.0 rebounds per game. “I have always been impressed with her ability to defend and her energy,” said Fever coach Stephanie White. “She’s a true point guard who can dictate the game.”

The Fever’s need for McDonald arises after recent injuries to key players. Caitlin Clark, the expected No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, was ruled out for at least two weeks with a quad strain. Additionally, Sophia Cunningham and Sydney Colson were injured during Friday’s loss against the Sparks. White noted that MRIs for both Cunningham and Colson returned positive results, indicating they could return sooner than expected.

Despite the challenges, the Fever are focusing on growth through adversity. “Any time you face setbacks, it’s a chance to improve,” White said. “It helps us build mental and physical toughness.” The Fever enter their next game against the Washington Mystics with a 2-4 record and a three-game losing streak.

McDonald previously had an impressive collegiate career, winning three Pac-12 scoring titles and earning All-American honors twice. In her rookie season in 2021, she finished second in Rookie of the Year voting, averaging 8.7 points, two rebounds, and 3.7 assists with the Sparks.