Shaq Backs Angel Reese Over Caitlin Clark for WNBA Rookie of the Year Honors.

Photo byMatthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Disclaimer: This article was written with the help of A.I. software.

Introduction

One of the most talked-about WNBA storylines this season revolves around the battle for the 2024 Rookie of the Year—Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark or Chicago Sky's Angel Reese. The race is extremely close heading into the All-Star break, but NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has an easy answer for who he thinks deserves the award: Reese.

Shaquille O'Neal's Take

O'Neal and Reese have been friends since she became a superstar at LSU, O'Neal's alma mater. But, he is also just very impressed with her WNBA rookie season so far.

• "I'm not just saying this because she went to LSU, I think she's definitely leading in the Rookie of the Year race," O'Neal said. "I give the vote to Angel."
• "[Angel Reese is] definitely leading in the Rookie of the Year race."

Performance and Impact

O'Neal is still impressed by Clark, though, and he applauded both of the WNBA rookies for their influence on the league and game as a whole.

• "Caitlin is a fabulous player, the female Steph Curry," O'Neal continued. "They have done a lot for the game. ... Caitlin and Angel, because of social media and all the media outlets, they really brought the game where it should've been 10 years ago."

Reese's Impressive Stats

Through 23 games played, Reese has averaged:

• 13.5 points per game
• 12 rebounds per game

Her name was tossed in the same sentence as O'Neal recently when she clocked her 16th double-double in her first 22 starts, which trailed only O'Neal's 19 double-doubles in the same amount of starts in his rookie season.

Conclusion

The race for WNBA Rookie of the Year is heating up, with Angel Reese currently leading in the eyes of Shaquille O'Neal. Despite the close competition with Caitlin Clark, Reese's consistent performance and impressive statistics have put her ahead. Both players have significantly impacted the game, making this year's Rookie of the Year race one to watch.

Related: Caitlin Clark Fed Up With Indiana Fever Teammate for Taking Shot Instead of Passing.

Related: Everyone's Suspicious of Shaquille O'Neal Spent An Unusual Amount Of Time With The "Hawk Tuah" Girl.

Related: Caitlin Clark Receives Massive News That Puts Her In Exclusive Group With Only Michael Jordan.

Related: Angel Reese Receives Technical Foul for Disrespectful Act During Sky vs. Liberty WNBA Game.

Related: Rising Star Angel Reese Shines in WNBA and SI Swimsuit Debut

Source: si.com