The Indiana Fever announced on Sunday that veteran guard Odyssey Sims has joined the roster on a hardship contract following season-ending injuries to guards Sydney Colson (torn ACL) and Aari McDonald (broken foot).
(Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)
The signing adds an experienced floor general at a time when the Fever have been without their top three point guard options, including Caitlin Clark, who remains sidelined with a groin injury.
Per WNBA rules, hardship contracts are short-term, can be signed up to three times, and do not allow players to participate in the playoffs. Sims, 33, played 12 games earlier this season with the Los Angeles Sparks, averaging 9.8 points, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 rebounds. She brings over a decade of experience, including an All-Star appearance and Second-Team All-WNBA selection in 2019. This marks her sixth WNBA team since being drafted No. 2 overall in 2014.
Indiana played without an active point guard in its win on Friday due to league rules that prevented the Fever from signing Sims until after the injured players had officially missed a game. Regardless, Indiana defeated the Chicago Sky by a 22-point margin, improving to 18-14. With Sims’ arrival, the Fever aim to stabilize their backcourt in the middle of a playoff push.
Odyssey Sims is Adjusting Quickly
Sims said she learned of the opportunity just before traveling to Indiana on Sunday, marking a quick turnaround from hearing the news to joining her new teammates.
“I mean, I can’t really say when I found out, but I did know I was flying here on Sunday,” Sims said. “Just exciting — I know that Indiana is a great organization and just to be part of it, and to be here with the great players that I’m gonna be playing with. This is a great opportunity. I’m just happy to be here.”
It’s not the first time Sims has been asked to adapt quickly to a new roster. She emphasized that her approach will be to “do what I do best” and fit into whatever role the coaching staff needs.
“It’s not my first time coming to a new team,” Sims said. “The biggest thing is just doing what I do best — playing defense, playing hard, doing whatever the team needs. Obviously I know they’ve been down with injuries — prayers up for Syd and Aari, love them both. Like I said, I’m excited to be here. I’m not gonna do too much, but whatever coach tells me to do, I’m gonna do it, have fun, and enjoy my teammates.”
Odyssey Sims is one word a bucket! She brought the fire on opening night of @AUProSports she finished with 33 points pic.twitter.com/sV1mViMt4P
— Ballislife Womens Basketball (@ballislifewbb_) March 2, 2024
How Will Sims Fit with the Indiana Fever
Sims believes her game fits well with the Fever’s up-tempo approach, which has been a hallmark of their offense even with key guards out of the lineup.
“When you go from one team to the next, it’s about fitting in and learning the plays,” Sims said. “I think I learn pretty quick. I know this team likes to get out and run — that’s what I like to do — so I think I’ll be fine starting tomorrow.”
She’s also eager to connect with the fan base and contribute to the team’s late-season push, which has taken on added urgency with just weeks remaining in the regular season.
“I’m excited about tomorrow,” Sims said. “I know Indiana has great fans — some of the best fans in the W. I’m a little nervous just cause it’s gonna be a lot of people, but I’m excited to play, put a jersey on, and be around my teammates. My first day was great. I’m looking forward to many more great days. The opportunity is here, so it’s up to me what I decide to do with it.”
Leaning on Experience
With over 300 career games under her belt, Sims has experienced every kind of roster situation. She hopes that perspective will help her lead in the locker room.
“Every situation has been different and unique. I can’t even believe I’m here right now,” Sims said. “To be part of Indiana Fever basketball — this is amazing. You’re gonna see me smiling from ear to ear like I have been since I got here yesterday. I just want to continue that, pour into my teammates, let them pour into me, win, and get ready for the playoffs. As long as I’m here, I’m going to do my part and have a positive impact.”
While she won’t have the entire playbook mastered immediately, Sims said the coaching staff is focusing on the basics for now.
“They’re trying not to overload me with too many plays,” Sims said. “I learned just the basic ones they’ve been running. We have a playbook where they put all our plays, so I’ll be reviewing a lot today. There’s no pressure. Of course, brain farts are expected — I might call a play that’s wrong because I’m thinking of a different one. It’s happened before. I’m just going in with no pressure, going to play, help from the point guard position, and be me out there.”
Sims’ first performance will take place on Tuesday when they host the Dallas Wings at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, scheduled at 7:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.
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