Caitlin Clark, the guard for the Indiana Fever, has confirmed that she will not participate in the upcoming WNBA All-Star Weekend in Indianapolis. This decision follows a recent groin injury that has prompted the player to prioritize her health as the second half of the season approaches.
Clark made her announcement on Thursday, expressing her enthusiasm for the event while acknowledging the disappointment of her withdrawal. “I’m so excited for Indy to host WNBA All-Star this weekend,” she stated in a press release from the Fever. She extended her gratitude to the Indianapolis Host Committee and all those involved in organizing the event. “I know this will be the best All-Star yet,” she added.
Despite her absence from the All-Star Game and the 3-Point Contest, Clark plans to attend the festivities at Gainbridge Fieldhouse and support her team. “I am incredibly sad and disappointed to say I can’t participate in the 3-Point Contest or the All-Star Game. I have to rest my body,” she noted. Clark expressed her eagerness to assist head coach Sandy Brondello in leading the team during the event.
In light of Clark’s withdrawal, the WNBA has announced that Brittney Sykes of the Washington Mystics will take her place in the All-Star Game. However, the decision regarding a replacement for Clark in the 3-Point Contest remains pending.
Several players have emerged as potential candidates, as highlighted by Sports Illustrated writer Karl Rasmussen. Among those is Tiffany Hayes, a guard for the Golden State Valkyries. Hayes has made a compelling case for selection, having achieved a shooting percentage of 46.0% from beyond the arc this season. This statistic ranks her third in the league among players with at least 60 attempts from three-point range, according to WNBA Stats.
While Hayes is already a representative at All-Star Weekend through teammate Kayla Thornton, her impressive performance could warrant her inclusion in the 3-Point Contest. It remains uncertain whether the veteran player would be interested in participating on such short notice, but her qualifications make her a strong contender if she chooses to compete.
As the WNBA prepares for this exciting weekend, Clark’s absence serves as a reminder of the physical demands placed on athletes in the league. Fans will be eager to witness the remaining talent on display and hope for a successful event in Indianapolis.
