3 Reasons Fever Should Shut Down Caitlin Clark Despite Playoff Risks

Since first lacing up for her college freshman season, Caitlin Clark played in 181 straight basketball games until she missed her first game this season. Since then, she has missed 12 more and is likely to be out of action for a while.

All of those injuries are soft tissue-related. First, in the preseason, she missed one game due to what was dubbed as ‘left leg tightness’. She recovered in time to put on a stellar show in front of her Iowa Hawkeye fans.

Then, a left quad strain left her on the sidelines for 5 regular-season games. Next, it was her left groin that saw her miss another 5 games. When one would think it was just her left leg that was troubling her, in came the right.

After a routine pass, the 23-year-old was seen clutching her right groin. She was evidently in pain, and tears welled up in her eyes. Now, after consulting experts in muscle tissue, the Fever has not placed a definitive timeline for her return.

Amid all this, there is one section of fans who want her to return to the court and dazzle everyone. Then some believe the risks are far too great to let Caitlin Clark return before recovering completely. Without her, there is a possibility that the Indiana Fever will miss the playoffs. Despite that, there are primarily 3 reasons why the franchise should think about shutting her down for the season.

Caitlin Clark’s return could risk her long-term health

When she injured her groin for the 1st time, some analysts wondered if the Indiana Fever pushed Caitlin Clark to return too soon. Soft tissue injuries are complicated and need a lot of care and rest.

Although there is no direct link with her quad strain, the belief is that something is bothering the reigning Rookie of the Year. If soft tissue problems are not handled with care, they could start to hinder a player’s ability down the road.

A few former players have advised that Clark take this injury seriously and avoid coming back before she feels she is 100% ready. If she does not, a persistent pain or wince can impact one’s game. There is growing belief that it might have impacted her recent shooting woes.

She is shooting a career low from deep. Even if the injuries are not causing her shooting woes, they are enough to contemplate shutting her down for the season. After all, time is running down for the Fever.

Not enough time to get Caitlin Clark back into rhythm

The Indiana Fever are 6th in the standings with a 13-12 record. This means there are 19 games left in this regular season. Since there are other teams struggling to find their form, the Fever will likely reach the playoffs.

However, the goal was to compete for a championship. Without Caitlin Clark on the court and in her shooting rhythm, the Fever will likely be booted out of the 1st round again.

The gutsy wins over the Minnesota Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup, or the 2 wins over the Las Vegas Aces won’t probably repeat in the playoffs. The postseason is where teams alter their style of play and throw the kitchen sink at their opponents. Without Clark scoring at her regular rhythm, the Fever does not have the firepower to overcome playoff teams.

For her to get into that rhythm, first she will have to believe she is 100% fit. Unless her mind tells her that, she may take time to get into that rhythm. Even if she were to come back after a few games, there is not enough time for the All-WNBA 1st teamer and her teammates to find a form that can help them take the next step in the playoffs.

Caitlin Clark can regroup and try next season

To ensure this season was going to be the one where she could fight for championships, Caitlin Clark prioritized rest and workouts to keep developing her skills. She gave up a chance to play in the upstart Unrivaled League to focus on her WNBA career.

Now, with these injuries seemingly throwing away all that hard work, one might believe that she would be frustrated. However, Clark is just 23 years old and has at least 10 years of her career ahead of her. In that time, she could be fighting for a title at least a few times.

Understandably, the Indiana Fever wants to take advantage of their young core’s rookie contracts and win now. However, most of them will still be under those paltry contracts next season. Only Lexie Hull will be eligible for an extension.

Then there is also the factor that next season, the new CBA could kick in. Along with the 2 expansion teams joining, the Fever will again have to sign a lot of players to make up their team. That could add to the chemistry woes from this season. However, it should be noted that it is likely that the Fever will keep the current core, as they have already learned how to play with each other.

All that they need is a healthy Caitlin Clark at the helm. For that, it is better that the franchise forget about fighting for a chance in the playoffs and risking long-term success. Shutting her down now can safeguard that future.

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