Indiana Fever superstar Caitlin Clark will be getting an adjusted role when she returns from injury this week. And it could mean her already elite shooting skills could be further unleashed.
Heading into Wednesday's game against the Golden State Valkyries , the Fever owns a 9-9 record. And is on the fringes of the playoff race. However, their struggles can be tied to the fact that top star Caitlin Clark has played in only half of the team's 19 games due to injuries.
Well, the face of the WNBA is set to return tonight after getting in some practice time on Monday. However, an interesting nugget of news came out of practice this week. Clark was not the primary ball handler throughout. Instead, recently added guard Aari McDonald was often used as the team's floor general. And it seems it is all part of a new grand plan from head coach Stephanie White.
"We finally got a chance to try it," White said about Clark playing off the ball with McDonald [h/t Sporting News ]. "I'm excited to see where it goes… Playing her with Aari could take some of the ball-handling load off her shoulders and give us some flexibility. We can show teams different looks. And it might just help her find a better rhythm."
Related: 'Farewell present' – New book reveals real reason why Caitlin Clark left off Women's Olympic team
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Even with missing 10 games this season, Clark is second in the WNBA with 8.9 assists per game. So it would seem risky to take the ball out of the hands of one of the best floor generals in the league. However, what makes Clark such a special talent is that, for as good a ball handler as she is, she is one of the game's most deadly snipers.
Making her the main facilitator for her teammates does mean fewer clean looks. And more situations where she has to work to create her own shot. However, McDonald is a rock-solid secondary ball handler who could put the WNA superstar in more positions to get better looks. Something she needs after going through a deep 1-23 slump from three earlier this season.
The plan could backfire and be a failure for White and the Fever. However, with the team having a standings hole they need to dig out of, it certainly is worth a try because of the potential. Better shots for one of the game's best snipers is an exciting idea.
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