Lauren Cox Waived by Fever; Was No. 3 Overall Pick in 2020 WNBA Draft

The Indiana Fever announced Sunday they've placed power forward Lauren Cox on waivers.

Cox, the third overall pick in the 2020 WNBA draft, was averaging just 8.6 minutes across 11 appearances off the bench for the Fever during the 2021 season.

The 23-year-old Baylor product was a key contributor across four seasons with the Bears. She averaged 12 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 blocks in 131 college games (95 starts) to earn her status as a high draft pick. 

She missed the start of her rookie season in the WNBA after being diagnosed with COVID-19, however, and was limited to 14 appearances before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

In April, Cox confirmed she was healthy and ready for a fresh start in 2021 after the tumultuous debut year.

"I think, not just the last few days of training camp but just the last couple months for me I've learned that I can pretty much get through anything," Cox said. "I had the injury towards the end of the season last year. I had COVID before even going to the 'wubble,' so I've been through a lot in the past year. [I've learned] resiliency, just getting through anything."

She struggled to earn a consistent role within the Indiana rotation, though. Teaira McCowan, Jessica Breland and Jantel Lavender have handled a majority of the frontcourt minutes during the team's first 16 games.

That said, it's a bit surprising the Fever weren't willing to give a top-five pick from last year a little more opportunity to develop given their league-worst 1-15 record.

Cox averaged 1.4 points and 2.0 rebounds in the limited minutes this season.

The Texas native shouldn't have much trouble attracting interest either on the waiver wire or as a free agent once she clears waivers.