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WNBA Champion Mercedes Russell Comments After Replacing Indiana Fever's Damiris Dantas
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- WNBA Champion Mercedes Russell Comments After Replacing Indiana Fever's Damiris Dantas
The Indiana Fever recently lost backup center Damiris Dantas due to a knee injury . The Brazilian star suffered a torn meniscus in her left knee, which required surgery. Now, she's out for the remainder of the season.
With Dantas' injury, the Fever had the opportunity to replace her using the WNBA 's season-ending exception. And while it took some time, Indiana finally found someone to provide them with some much-needed frontcourt depth.
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On Monday, the Fever announced that they had signed center Mercedes Russell to the season-ending exception. Russell, a second-round pick in 2018, is a two-time WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm .
Indiana Fever forward Aliyah Boston (7) and Damiris Dantas (12) react during a game. © Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The 31-year-old Russell has career averages of 4.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game. She played for the Los Angeles Sparks in 2025, appearing in 20 games and averaging 1.7 points and 1.2 rebounds.
Russell joined the Fever during Monday's practice and talked about her experience with the team so far. According to her, "it's been amazing" to be part of the franchise.
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"Everybody has been so welcoming," Russell stated. "Everybody's saying, you know, they're there for anything that I need. So it's been really cool. It's been seamless. It's incredible. Like, the fans show up, they show out. You can definitely feel the energy. I know I've been the opponent, but now I'll be on the good side, I guess is what you call it."
Russell also expressed excitement to play for a passionate Fever fanbase.
"The turnout is amazing. The support has been incredible. So, yeah, going from an opponent to now being, I guess, firsthand, I'm excited and really cool just to meet the Fever fans that I haven't obviously seen before."
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It remains to be seen if Russell will make her debut for the Fever when they play the New York Liberty on Tuesday.
Considering that the Fever will have three games in a five-day stretch after their Liberty game, however, it certainly looks increasingly likely that Russell will see significant minutes sooner rather than later.
Related: Caitlin Clark in Danger of Losing WNBA Rookie Record
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 10, 2026, where it first appeared in the WNBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
