Tempo Veteran Nears Season Debut — What It Means for the WNBA Race

The Toronto Tempo have quietly been piecing together a respectable start in their historic inaugural WNBA season, sitting at 5-5 through the first ten games. But behind the scenes, sources close to the organization claim the team is about to receive a jolt that could completely shift the momentum of their playoff push — and it all revolves around a veteran forward who has yet to set foot on the court in regular season action.

The Waiting Game Is Almost Over

Isabelle Harrison, the eight-year WNBA veteran who signed with the Tempo in free agency this offseason, has been sidelined since training camp after suffering a hand injury that kept her on the bench for the team’s first ten games. But according to the latest WNBA injury report obtained by our sources, Harrison has been officially upgraded to questionable for Sunday’s showdown against the Chicago Sky — and insiders say all indications point to her finally making her regular-season debut.

One team insider told us, “There’s a real buzz around the facility. She’s been itching to get out there, and the staff is optimistic. This could be a game-changer for how they approach the rest of the season.”

What Harrison Brings to the Table

Harrison, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft, spent last season with the New York Liberty, appearing in 34 games and averaging 4.9 points and 2.6 rebounds on 48.5 percent shooting from the field. While those numbers may not leap off the page, sources close to the Tempo reportedly believe her veteran presence and floor-spacing ability will be critical as the team battles through a grueling schedule.

“She’s been around the league long enough to know how to elevate a young group,” one league insider allegedly said. “The Tempo have some talented rookies, but they need a steady hand. Harrison provides that.”

Harrison is also the last remaining active player in the WNBA who competed under the legendary Pat Summitt at Tennessee — a detail that has not gone unnoticed by fans and analysts who see a certain grit and toughness in her game that could prove invaluable down the stretch.

Injury Clouds Darken the Horizon

While the potential return of Harrison is generating excitement, the Tempo are far from fully healthy. Rookie standout Kiki Rice remains sidelined with an ankle injury, and Temi Fagbenle has yet to make her Tempo debut either. Insiders say the team is reportedly monitoring both situations closely, but no timeline for their returns has been established.

“The coaching staff is reportedly walking a fine line — they want to push for wins now, but they can’t afford to rush anyone back and risk long-term setbacks,” one source claimed.

With Harrison reportedly on the verge of stepping onto the floor for the first time in a Tempo uniform, Sunday’s matchup against the Sky suddenly feels like a pivot point. Could this be the spark that propels Toronto from mediocrity into contention? Sources say the answer might come sooner than anyone expected.