Chloe

Bibby

Bibby, whom the Fever signed to a rest-of-season contract on August 1, last appeared in a game on August 17. Unfortunately, she’s been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a left knee injury. While the Fever did not disclose the severity of the injury, the team said Bibby is expected to make a full recovery. To account for Bibby’s absence, the Fever signed Bree Hall to a rest-of-season hardship contract.

With Chloe Bibby ruled out for the rest of the season due to a left knee injury, the Fever have signed Hall to a hardship contract. A second-round pick of the Fever in April’s draft, Hall was waived toward the end of training camp. However, she did appear in three games for the Valkyries before being waived on September 1.

Bibby is out for her third straight game as she continues to deal with discomfort and soreness in her left knee. While head coach Stephanie White initially thought this was going to be a short term injury and holding her out this past Friday was out of precaution, Bibby has remained out. Prior to Tuesday night’s game, White told reporters that she hopes Bibby will be back in practice by the end of the week. But until then, the Fever will have to deploy defensive big Brianna Turner, stretch big Damiris Dantas and rookie Makayla Timpson especially since the Storm have a larger front court.

After Bibby didn’t play in the Fever’s Friday night game against the Lynx at home, she will miss her second straight game on Sunday night. Bibby didn’t travel with the team to Minneapolis and head coach Stephanie White noted the reason she stayed back in Indianapolis was so that she could do more rehab and keep the swelling down. Without Bibby, Damiris Dantas will take on some of her minutes in addition to Brianna Turner when the Fever need a more defensive-minded substitution.

Bibby was a late scratch prior to Friday night’s game against the Lynx. Fever head coach Stephanie White told reporters during a pregame press conference that Bibby was dealing with “soreness” and that they are holding her out as a precaution. White didn’t know the severity of the injury yet, but will learn more tomorrow. While Bibby’s injury doesn’t change who the Fever are starting against the Lynx, more will be expected out of rookie Makayla Timpson coming off the bench in addition to veteran forward Brianna Turner who hasn’t seen much time on the floor this season.

Cunningham left the game with 8:04 left in the second quarter after Sun guard Bria Hartley collided with her right knee on a drive to the basket. After the collision, Cunningham was jumping up and down and holding her knee, then she fell to the ground clutching that same right knee in a lot of pain. With Cunningham out for rest of the game, the Fever have turned to wing Lexie Hull — who started the second half in Cunningham’s place — forward Brianna Turner and stretch big Chloe Bibby to soak up Cunningham’s minutes.

Despite being without multiple players due to national team obligations, the Valkyries did more than just “tread water,” thanks partly to players like Bibby. She averaged 6.4 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.8 three-pointers in five appearances in 13.2 minutes. As for Hall, she only appeared in two games before being waived on Monday. With players such as Cecilia Zandalasini, Janelle Salaün and Julie Vanloo returning from EuroBasket, and Iliana Rupert expected to make her Valkyries debut, Bibby and Hall were the odd players out.

Signed to a contract by the Valkyries on Sunday, Bibby made her official debut Thursday night. And with starters Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings (8/3/1/1 in 19 minutes) in foul trouble and Stephanie Talbot (three rebounds and three steals in 15 minutes) failing to score, Golden State needed Bibby more than anticipated. Along with fellow reserves Tiffany Hayes and Laeticia Amihere, Bibby was one of the difference-makers for Golden State. This performance was not enough to put her on the fantasy radar, but it may be enough to keep Bibby in the rotation as the Valkyries play without multiple players due to national team commitments.

Due to multiple players leaving the team for international duty, the Valkyries have been busy from a transaction standpoint. Bibby is back with the team after being waived on May 14, providing added depth in the frontcourt. Fantasy managers can afford to hold off on adding her immediately, as the Valkyries will have Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings to call on.

Cunane and Bibby were two of the five players waived by the Valkyries on Wednesday, as the team finalized the roster for its inaugural season. While the former played 12 minutes in Golden State’s two preseason contests, the latter logged 16 minutes. Cunane and Bibby faced challenging odds to make the final roster, as evidenced by their lack of playing time during the preseason. Once they clear waivers, Cunane and Bibby will be free agents and can sign with any team.