Shaquille O’Neal, the NBA legend and a key figure in basketball, has nurtured a close friendship with WNBA star Angel Reese long before she joined the league. Recently, he appeared as a guest on her podcast, Unapologetically Angel, where they delved into the remarkable talent of Caitlin Clark, a fellow athlete and competitor. Although O’Neal has praised Clark in the past, this was a unique opportunity for him to engage in a candid discussion with Reese about her on-court rival.
During the podcast, Shaq inquired about what makes Caitlin Clark so beloved among fans. Reese responded by highlighting Clark’s exceptional ability to make shots from long range, even from the logo. Shaquille then drew a parallel to his admiration for Steph Curry, expressing awe at the revolutionary skills that both players bring to the game. “I’ve never seen that before,” he said. This sentiment resonated as he admitted to initially doubting Clark’s capability to make certain shots, only to be proven wrong time and again. His acknowledgment of her talent underscores the respect he has for her unique style of play.
In previous comments, the four-time NBA champion referred to Caitlin Clark as “the real deal,” emphasizing her overall gameplay and decision-making skills. “She does everything right,” he remarked, clarifying that despite his allegiance to Reese, he recognizes Clark’s exceptional abilities. This candid praise reveals Shaq’s admiration for athletes who excel on the court, regardless of team loyalties.
Caitlin Clark recently wrapped up a groundbreaking rookie season with the Indiana Fever, where she not only earned Rookie of the Year honors but also led her team to its first playoff appearance since 2016. Currently, she’s enjoying a well-deserved break, spending time on the golf course and bonding with her teammates. Meanwhile, the new “Unrivaled” women’s basketball league is actively trying to recruit her for the upcoming season.
Overall, Shaquille O’Neal’s remarks on Caitlin Clark serve to highlight her burgeoning impact in women’s basketball. His willingness to share admiration for a player outside his close circle speaks volumes about the respect and acknowledgment of talent in the sport, especially as the WNBA continues to grow in prominence and recognition.
