Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White is hinting at a potential shift in Caitlin Clark's role, thanks to the return of guard Aari McDonald. McDonald, who initially signed with the Fever under an emergency hardship contract due to injuries to Clark and Sophie Cunningham, has rejoined the team for the remainder of the season. This development could provide the Fever with increased flexibility and potentially unlock new dimensions in Clark's game.

White has expressed excitement about McDonald's return, highlighting her playmaking abilities and defensive prowess. McDonald's ability to handle the ball and create opportunities for both herself and her teammates offers the Fever a different dynamic. This is particularly valuable as opposing defenses have been intensely focusing on Clark, leading to uneven offensive performances for the team.

The idea is to relieve some of the pressure on Clark by having McDonald initiate the offense at times. This would allow Clark to play off the ball more frequently, providing her with opportunities to rest and explore different offensive looks. It could also lead to fewer instances of the full-court pressure that Clark has been facing, potentially reducing physical strain.

Notably, in scrimmages, McDonald has been observed running the offense while Clark plays off-ball. White sees this as a way to give Clark a break and provide the team with varied offensive strategies.

McDonald's initial stint with the Fever showcased her immediate impact. Signed in early June amidst a series of injuries to key players, she quickly proved her worth. In her first three games, McDonald averaged 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals, contributing to Fever victories. Her ability to seamlessly integrate into the team and provide a spark off the bench was evident.

Despite her contributions, McDonald was waived when Clark and Cunningham returned from their injuries. However, her impressive performance during those few games solidified her value, and the Fever brought her back after waiving veteran DeWanna Bonner.

McDonald's career has included stints with the Atlanta Dream and the Los Angeles Sparks. She was drafted third overall by the Dream in 2021. She has also played overseas.

With McDonald back in the fold, the Fever have a dynamic guard who can drive to the basket, create plays, and defend effectively. While not necessarily as prolific a passer as Clark, McDonald excels at initiating ball movement and finding scoring opportunities. Her speed and versatility make her a difficult matchup for opposing point guards.

The Fever hope to debut the Clark-McDonald pairing in their upcoming game against the Golden State Valkyries. The potential of this backcourt duo has generated considerable excitement, with fans eager to see how their complementary skills can elevate the team's performance.