Subhechcha Ganguly 
Indiana Fever rookie star Caitlin Clark remains sidelined with a lingering groin injury that has already forced her to miss 16 games. While the team has not provided a timetable for her return, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie believes the Fever should shut Clark down for the rest of the season.
Speaking on CBS Sports’ We Need to Talk, the three-time league MVP stressed that Indiana must focus on Clark’s career longevity rather than rushing her back for a playoff push.
“She could provide an amazing boost, but you want to see Caitlin Clark for the long haul,” Leslie said. “Me personally, I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season.”
Clark has been outstanding when healthy, averaging 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 8.8 assists in just 13 games. Her presence has transformed the Fever into one of the most talked-about teams in the WNBA.
But Leslie cautioned against risking a setback. “That deep groin injury is nothing to play around with. You make one move, one cut, and boom—she’s back in the same spot. I don’t know that it’s worth it, even for a playoff run.”
For now, Indiana faces the tough decision of balancing its postseason hopes with the long-term future of its franchise player.
