Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

‘I would not put her back on the floor this season’ – WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie Urges Caution Over Caitlin Clark Comeback

Caitlin Clark has played only 13 games during the 2025 season.

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark is currently out from the team roster due to a right groin injury and it has been a crucial season for the team, who are aiming for the playoffs. The Fever secured a big win over the Storm on Tuesday to reach 19-18 in the regular season. The playoffs race heats up and the Fever have to carry their hopes without their star player, Caitlin Clark.

The 2024 Rookie of the Year didn’t even feature in the Fever’s victory against the Lynx in the Commissioner’s Cup 2025 championship game. Caitlin Clark has played only 13 games during the 2025 season. Her last appearance came on July 15 and the 23-year-old does not have a timetable for a return from the injury.

Caitlin Clark suffered a “very mild” bone bruise in her left ankle during a workout in Phoenix on Aug. 7, per @ScottAgness.

The bone bruise does not affect her return timeline, and Clark will still be out rehabbing her groin. pic.twitter.com/BkkD4q4umP
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 20, 2025

Also Read: When Will Caitlin Clark Play Again? Major Injury Update on Indiana Fever Star

Lisa Leslie Gets Honest on Catlin Clark’s Comeback in 2025 Season

Amid Caitlin Clark’s comeback saga, WNBA Legend Lisa Leslie makes a big statement and she gives her perception on Indiana Fever star. Lisa Leslie was talking on CBS Sports’ We Need To Talk on Tuesday. The three-time WNBA MVP gave an idea to the franchise that they should shut Clark down for the season. The decision should be made for the longevity of her career.

“She could provide an amazing boost. But again, I’m just gonna put my coach’s hat on, my GM hat on. You want to see Caitlin Clark for the longevity of her career. I’m just thinking, me personally, I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season,” Lisa Leslie said.

"I would not put Caitlin Clark back on the floor this season." @LisaLeslie put her GM hat on when discussing the @IndianaFever star's injury. pic.twitter.com/psoQN5OuHS
— We Need To Talk (@WeNeedToTalk) August 26, 2025

Lisa Leslie explained why she is not interested to see Clark playing again in the 2025 WNBA season. According to her, if Clark comes back and faces another groin sprain, it can hurt her next season as well. She pushes the idea of not risking her career for the upcoming playoffs. She backs Indiana Fever to do well without their star player.

“The only reason why I say that is because I had the injury that she had,” The WNBA legend continued. “That deep groin injury is nothing to play around with… You can make one move, make one cut, boom, she’s back in the same spot. I don’t know that it’s worth risking it.

“If they get the eighth spot and you get into the playoffs, is it really worth looking at Minnesota round one? I don’t know. That’s just my opinion.”

If Indiana Fever manage to qualify for the playoffs and get the eighth seeding, then they would face Minnesota Lynx, who are going through a dream run. The Lynx are now looking to take the trophy home. Fever is already missing a couple of players apart from Clark so, the idea of pushing the recovery is not good as per Leslie.

Clark has averaged 16.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 8.8 assists in the 13 games she has appeared in this season. Her three-point percentage is 27.9 percent, down from 34.4 percent last year. Last month, Leslie talked about a similar groin injury she had, which stayed throughout her MVP season with the Sparks in 2006. Meanwhile, the Fever are also not doing a rush on Clark’s recovery and soon, we will get a update on her getting out for the remainder of the season.

Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.