Shaquille O'Neal Reveals His Pick For WNBA Rookie Of The Year

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has officially revealed his vote for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award.

While O'Neal believes Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark has had a phenomenal season in the league, he's choosing Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese as the ROTY.

The NBA Hall of Famer was live on ESPN with basketball analyst Matt Barrie. He showed high praise for Reese despite any questions on bias, given that both athletes are LSU alumni.

"I'm not saying this because she went to LSU, but I think she's definitely leading in the Rookie of the Year race," O'Neal said.

Barrie questioned O'Neal about his thoughts on Clark, given the rookie's impact on women's basketball.

"Caitlin [Clark] is a fabulous player. The female Steph Curry," O'Neal said.  "They have done a lot for the game... Caitlin Clark is a fabulous player. Angel Reese is a fabulous player, but I'm going to give it to Angel Reese right now."

Reese is currently averaging 13.5 points and 12.0 rebounds per game for the Sky, while Clark has posted 16.8 points and 7.8 assists per game for Indiana.

They've both set incredible WNBA records during their rookie seasons, but O'Neal is giving the edge to Reese despite Chicago standing at 10-14 in the Eastern Conference standings, just one spot under the Fever at 11-14.

The LSU rookie recently made WNBA history by recording 15 consecutive double-doubles. That streak ended against the New York Liberty on July 13, when Reese notched eight points and 16 rebounds.

Clark became the first-ever rookie to record a triple-double, attaining the feat against the Liberty on July 6. She tallied 19 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds in the 83-78 victory over New York.

O'Neal has been known to carry a tight bond with Reese. He's commented on the rookies progress throughout the season, with the two former Tigers sending public messages toward each other the past few months.

Clark and Reese will share the court on July 20 at the WNBA All-Star game, marking the first time the two will wear the same jersey.

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