Shaq made an interesting comment about Caitlin Clark during the latest episode of Angel Reese’s podcast. On the Unapologetically Angel show, Reese interviewed the NBA legend, who discussed a wide range of topics. In addition to chatting about dating, cheating, and women ballers dunking in the league, Shaq also spoke about Angel’s gameplay. After Angel asked O’Neal for advice going into her sophomore year in the league, he told her to drown out the haters. He also mentioned that she likely would’ve won WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award had she not been injured.
“Keep busting that ass,” he said before suggesting she develop a go-to move to score “four points” a quarter. Shaq, who’s also Angel’s mentor, said the 6’3″ power forward should continue to focus on “her shot.” He continued, reminding Reese that “her shot” earned her several accolades, including a 2023 NCAA national championship title. Later, he said the Bayou Barbie’s moves placed her in the “Rookie of the Year” conversation. “Which I think you would’ve won [had you not] got hurt,” he said.
Angel Reese Received One Vote for 2024’s Rookie of the Year
Shaq isn’t the only one who believed Angel Reese would’ve given Caitlin Clark a run for her money in the Rookie of the Year race. Before the end of the season, Reese averaged 13.6 PPG and 13.1 rebounds per game. She became the league’s fastest player to snag 20 double-doubles. And speaking of double-doubles, she set the record for earning the most consecutive (15).
In September 2024, Reese announced her season would be cut short due to a wrist injury. “Through it all, I have showed that I belong in this league even when no one else believed,” she wrote online.
Fans and sports analysts alike shared similar beliefs that Angel could’ve been a contender for Rookie of the Year. Monica McNutt appeared on ESPN and said the same thing. However, despite the hype, Angel lost the race to Caitlin by a vote of 66 to 1.
Even with the loss, Angel, most likely, will only get better. With her impressive abilities on the offensive and defensive glass, a WNBA championship and future MVP award could be in her future.
