Shaquille O'Neal eventually went along with Caitlin Clark's idea, but he resisted it at first.
Basketball Hall of Famer Sports Illustrated interview And we discussed the narrative dynamics surrounding Clarke and fellow star rookie Angel Reese this season.
O'Neal, 52, is involved in the game as Reebok's president of basketball operations, with his first big move being the signing of Louisiana State University alumnus Reese.
O'Neal reportedly felt he had to team with Reese. or He was initially a supporter of Clark, but was gradually won over by the Indiana Fever star and gradually changed his mind.
“[Clark]is right on the money on everything,” Shaq told SI. “[I've never talked about her[before]because Angel[Reese]is my girlfriend, but honestly, Caitlin Clark is the real deal. Watching her play, trying to get mad, but she makes the right pass, she makes the right play. Girls try to beat her, and she doesn't complain. She's been a great player so early[in her career].”
The turning point for O'Neal came just a week ago in Chicago, when he was courtside watching Clark and the Fever beat Reese and the Chicago Sky, 100-81. The Iowa native scored a career-high 31 points against the Reebok National Team.
“She's the real deal,” O'Neal said of Clark. “I admire her and her family and the way she's grown and played. Every girl should watch WNBA players play, but these two (Clark and Reese) are my favorites.”
Both players are embarking on record-breaking WNBA campaigns as rookies.
Reese, who is set to be the seventh overall pick in the 2024 draft, has already broken the league's single-season rebounding record.
Clark, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, holds the rookie record for assists and is 30 away from tying the WNBA single-season record of 316 set last year by Connecticut Suns star Alyssa Thomas.
