Practice Media Availability: Aari McDonald’s First Practice & Key Injury Updates for the Indiana Fever

After a whirlwind signing under a hardship contract, Aari McDonald officially participated in her first practice with the Indiana Fever, marking a new chapter for the former No. 3 overall pick. Reporters gathered for post-practice media availability to hear from McDonald and Fever head coach Christie Sides, as well as get long-awaited updates on the team’s growing injury report.

Aari McDonald: “Ready to Contribute in Any Way”

Fresh off a flight and just days removed from being out of the league, McDonald took the court Tuesday with a clear sense of purpose.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity,” McDonald told the media. “This is a talented group, and I’m here to bring energy, defense, whatever the team needs from me. I’m ready to contribute in any way I can.”

McDonald, best known for her elite defensive tenacity, was inserted into practice rotations alongside Caitlin Clark, whom she famously face-guarded earlier this season as a member of the Atlanta Dream. When asked about the sudden transition from opponent to teammate, McDonald smiled:

“It’s part of the game. We compete hard when we’re across from each other, but once you’re on the same side, it’s all about chemistry and lifting each other up.”

Coach Sides echoed the sentiment:

“Aari came in with a great attitude. She was talking, moving, defending—it was like she’s been with us all season. Her energy is contagious.”

Key Injury Updates

Indiana has been hit hard by injuries this season, which is what prompted McDonald’s signing under the WNBA’s hardship exception. The team offered several updates after practice:

Temi Fagbenle (Foot): Still sidelined and continuing rehab. No return timeline, though she has resumed light court work.

Erica Wheeler (Ankle): Day-to-day with a mild ankle sprain. Coach Sides said the staff is “being cautious” and wants her at full strength before returning.

Damiris Dantas (Back): Continues to be out indefinitely. “We’re evaluating her week to week,” said Sides.

Lexie Hull (Shoulder): Has not yet resumed full contact but is participating in non-contact drills. A return could be near.

With multiple backcourt players out or limited, McDonald’s signing was necessary not just for depth but to relieve some of the ball-handling burden that has fallen squarely on Caitlin Clark’s shoulders.

Building Chemistry Quickly

McDonald is being asked to learn a new system almost overnight—but her prior experience in WNBA rotations is helping ease the transition. She’s already familiar with many of the league’s players and play styles and said the biggest focus now is communication.

“Everyone’s been super welcoming,” she said. “It’s all about connecting on both ends. I’m learning the plays, the terminology—but the goal is the same: win.”

Clark didn’t speak to media Tuesday, but sources say she’s excited to have another fast, defensive-minded guard beside her—someone who can guard the perimeter and handle the ball when needed.

Looking Ahead

The Fever are set to face a tough stretch of games over the next two weeks, and Coach Sides hinted that McDonald may see minutes sooner than later.

“We signed her because we need her,” Sides said. “She’s going to help us immediately, especially on the defensive end. Aari’s got that spark, and we need more of that.”

With mounting pressure on the Fever to find consistency and relieve the physical load on Clark, McDonald’s arrival is timely. Whether it turns into a longer-term role remains to be seen—but for now, she’s just focused on the opportunity.

“I’m not taking any of this for granted,” she said. “I’m here, I’m locked in, and I’m ready.”