Shaquille O’Neal’s admiration for Caitlin Clark wasn’t immediate, largely due to his strong bond with Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese. Throughout the 2024 WNBA season, fans and media created an intense narrative pitting Reese and Clark against each other in the Rookie of the Year race—a rivalry both players consistently dismissed. As the season neared its conclusion in September, O’Neal’s perspective shifted, and he openly praised Clark in an interview with Sports Illustrated. “[Clark] does everything right,” O’Neal remarked. “I never spoke about her because Angel is my girl, but Caitlin Clark is for real. She makes the right pass, the right play. Girls try to beat her up, and she doesn’t complain. She’s the real deal. Much respect to her and her family.”
While Reese’s rookie campaign was prematurely cut short by a wrist injury, Clark’s star continued to rise. She not only secured the WNBA Rookie of the Year award but also earned prestigious accolades, including AP Female Athlete of the Year and Time Magazine’s 2024 Athlete of the Year. In a recent interview with TMZ, O’Neal briefly acknowledged Clark’s historic recognition. “Congratulations to her; she’s a fabulous player,” he said with a nod of respect.
However, O’Neal was quick to emphasize that Clark’s contributions were part of a broader narrative. He highlighted the collective efforts of other standout WNBA players who propelled the league to new heights in 2024. “Caitlin and my girl Angel definitely brought a lot of publicity to the WNBA,” he noted, before shining a light on other influential stars. “But we can’t forget about A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, Diana Taurasi—all these women playing great basketball. They’re finally getting the credit they deserve.”
O’Neal’s recognition of Clark and the league’s collective talent underscores the transformative impact these athletes have had on women’s basketball. The 2024 season not only showcased extraordinary individual performances but also amplified the visibility and respect the WNBA has long deserved.
As Clark’s rookie season set a new standard and players like Reese, Wilson, and Taurasi continued to define excellence, O’Neal’s remarks serve as a reminder of the collective strength driving the WNBA’s meteoric rise. The league’s stars, both emerging and established, are cementing their legacies in the sport’s history.
