Caitlin Clark. Image via: Godofredo A. Vásquez/ AP The Indiana Fever are playoff-bound, but they’ll be finishing the season without their brightest star. Caitlin Clark confirmed last week that lingering groin and leg injuries will sideline her for the rest of 2025. The news hit fans hard as it was devastating for WNBA fandom in general, but it also drew a powerful response from one of the WNBA’s most respected voices, Candace Parker.
Candace Parker praises Caitlin Clark’s decision to prioritize long-term health
Caitlin Clark announced her decision on social media, writing, “I had hoped to share a better update, but I will not be returning to play this season. I spent hours in the gym every day with the singular goal of getting back out there, disappointed isn’t a big enough word to describe how I am feeling.” She added that the unwavering support from fans kept her spirits high and expressed pride in the Fever for battling through adversity.Candace Parker, who co-hosts Post Moves alongside Fever star Aliyah Boston, spoke candidly about Clark’s situation. The former MVP drew from her own history of injuries, “Big picture, from the outside looking in, I have been a player that has had a number of injuries. And I think later in my career, especially, some of those injuries would have been less or preventable if I had listened to my body earlier, and taken the time.”Parker acknowledged the unique pressure Clark faces as a centerpiece player. “When you are Caitlin Clark, and you have the ball in your hands, and you are in the other team’s scouting report, to come in half and not be able to be in that shape and the rhythm of the game.”Ultimately, Parker applauded Clark’s choice to sit out. “Because the rhythm of the game changes towards the end of the year. So when it started getting closer to the end of the season I was like, it’s dangerous to come back during playoff basketball. … It’s the smart thing.”
Caitlin Clark’s absence reflects broader WNBA challenges
Clark’s injury is part of a wider trend affecting the league. The Fever have five players sidelined for the year, including Sydney Colson, Sophie Cunningham, Aari McDonald, and Chloe Bibby. Across the WNBA, more than a dozen players are dealing with season-ending injuries, sparking renewed conversations about roster sizes, scheduling, and player workload.Parker closed her message with heartfelt encouragement: “Caitlin Clark: Hope you feel better, you have a great offseason, and you come back.” Of course, Clark’s long-term health matters more than rushing into the playoffs, but again, her absence will also have an impact on ticket sales and overall viewership.Also Read: “I really need to have that…” – Stephen Curry’s mom Sonya Curry revealed one thing she can’t live without