“She is a true point guard.” Indiana Fever head coach, Stephanie White convinced herself and the people around her regarding her latest decision of signing veteran free agent, Aari McDonald. “So she brings that energy, she brings the ability to dictate,” White said, reminding the team of a point guard’s duties. But little did the HC know what she had signed up for. After losing Sydney Colson and Sophie Cunningham to injuries against the Connecticut Sun in as one of the most disappointing performances this season, Fever head coach had no option.
But as they say, every cloud has a silver lining. After backups Colson and Cunningham joined star player Caitlin Clark on the bench, all White could do was appeal to the league for a hardship exception. Under the exception rule, teams can sign more than one player in case their active roster falls short of 10 players or less. In the case of Indiana Fever, the roster had 9 active players instead of 10. This prompted White to take the gamble and sign the 2021 overall third pick in the W draft.
On the other hand, national analyst, Rachel DeMita expressed regret on her latest YouTube video where she opened up about her indifferent attitude on learning about Indiana Fever’s signing of McDonald. “I kinda felt indifferent about this signing because I wasn’t expecting a hardship contract player to come in and make some huge difference for the team. And boy was I wrong about Aari McDonald!” DeMita confessed.
She felt that a hardship replacement contract player can only fill in the empty roster spots left by Clark and Cunningham. Instead, Aari changed DeMita’s perspective as she stepped in Clark’s shoes and set the pace of the team as they faced Washington Mystics for the second time this season. “I felt like she even sped up the pace of the game,” she added. McDonald grabbed 7 points, 5 assists, and 3 steals and changed the Fever’s slow gameplay and dictated a structured flow of the team throughout the performance.
“So, in their game against the Washington Mystics, the Indiana Fever actually won their first game since Caitlin Clark has been out,” Rachel stated. “And Aari McDonald came with so much energy. She was such a spark for this Indiana Fever team.” Aari is known for agility, swiftness and the energy that she brings to the court. But as a player on temporary contractual basis with the Fever, she was in a positive space as she got a chance to showcase her skills during the regular season.
Jun 3, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Aari McDonald (2) celebrates during a game between the Indiana Fever and the Washington Mystics at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smth- INDIANAPOLIS STAR-Imagn Images
DeMita also felt that McDonald was instrumental in pulling Fever out of a miserable state and earning them a first win during Clark’s absence. “She was such a spark for this Indiana Fever team. And honestly you guys… I felt like she even sped up the flow of the game.” She went on praising Aari saying, “And she (Aari McDonald) was a crucial piece as to why this Indiana Fever team even won in that game against the Mystics.” The point guard successfully defended Brittney Sykes and Shakira Austen and sped up the game for Fever in Clark’s absence.
Aari McDonald expresses dissatisfaction after Fever-Mystics performance
Despite ending Indiana Fever’s losing streak and becoming a key contributor to the team’s 85-76 win against the Washington Mystics on Tuesday, Aari was not too pleased with her on-court performance. Though she was happy to return to the hardwood and got a chance to display her strengths, Aari knew she could do much better.
Referring to a fired up arena with spectators rooting for Indiana’s win, Aari said, “And man the shout out for the win! I mean, when your number’s called, you’ve got to be ready to deliver. And I felt like I did just that. I mean but obviously I’m not satisfied, but grateful we got the win though.” Despite performing her duties as an athlete to the fullest, Aari was dissatisfied with her debut match with the Fever.
Moreover, she confessed to liking the warmth she received from Fever fans and the roster. “It felt good tonight to finally get back. Just the team, the players, and the fans, sports- that they all were very welcoming and made sure I had everything to be successful tonight.“Her increased dynamic and communication with the teammates within a couple of days, eased her into the game and further fueled her confidence during the match.
But as Caitlin Clark prepares to return to the roster, it will be exciting to watch the team’s performance. With Sydney Colson, Clark, and now Aari on the Fever’s roster, the team looks unstoppable as the third overall team in the Eastern conference division gears up against the so-called rivals, Chicago Sky on Sunday.
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