The Indiana Fever have signed veteran guard Odyssey Sims to a hardship contract following a series of devastating injuries that have depleted their roster. The move comes as the Fever navigate a challenging period, with multiple players sidelined, including star guard Caitlin Clark.
Clark has been out of the lineup since July 15 due to a right groin injury. There is no firm timetable for her return, and the team is prioritizing her long-term health and well-being. Clark's sophomore season has been marred by injuries, limiting her to just 13 appearances out of 32 games. She previously missed time with a left quad strain and a separate left groin injury. Coach Stephanie White has emphasized a cautious approach to Clark's recovery, stating that the team is taking it "one day at a time". Clark herself has acknowledged the frustration of being sidelined, expressing a sense of responsibility to both her team and the league.
Adding to the Fever's woes, guards Sydney Colson and Aari McDonald have been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season after sustaining injuries in a game against the Phoenix Mercury. Colson suffered a torn ACL in her left knee, while McDonald fractured a bone in her right foot. These injuries have left the Fever without any healthy point guards, further compounding the challenges of Clark's absence.
In the wake of these injuries, the Fever were in dire need of reinforcements. Prior to signing Sims, options that were considered included Chennedy Carter and Crystal Dangerfield. To address the immediate shortage, the team has turned to Sims, a seasoned veteran with 12 years of WNBA experience. The 33-year-old guard most recently played for the Los Angeles Sparks, where she averaged 9.8 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game.
Sims' arrival provides the Fever with a much-needed ball-handler and experienced presence in the backcourt. Her ability to score, distribute, and play defense could prove valuable as the team navigates its injury crisis.
The Fever's recent game against the Chicago Sky demonstrated the team's resilience, as they secured a 92-70 victory despite being without any active point guards. Kelsey Mitchell lauded the team's resilience and collective effort in the win. Natasha Howard also alluded to Clark's potential return in a post, expressing optimism about her return to the court.
While the Fever have faced numerous setbacks, they remain in the playoff hunt with a 18-14 record. The addition of Sims aims to provide stability and support as they await the return of their key players.