What Did Shaq Say About Caitlin Clark? A Shifting Perspective On A Rising Star

April Shanahan

29 Jul, 2025

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When you think about basketball legends, Shaquille O'Neal definitely comes to mind. He is, you know, a giant of the game, someone whose opinions carry a lot of weight. So, it's pretty interesting to see his thoughts on a new generation of players, especially someone like Caitlin Clark, who has really changed the way people look at women's basketball. For a while, there was a lot of talk about his initial feelings, and how they might have been a bit different from what many expected.

People were curious, you know, about what a player of Shaq's stature would make of Clark's incredible talent. It's not every day someone comes along who captures so much attention and changes the conversation around a sport. So, naturally, when whispers started about his comments, everyone wanted to hear the full story. His take, it turns out, is a rather good example of how perspectives can change as you watch someone grow in their sport.

This whole situation, you see, shows how even the biggest names in sports can have their minds changed by pure skill and performance. It's a tale of initial reservations turning into genuine admiration, which is, honestly, a cool thing to see. So, let's get into the details of what Shaquille O'Neal has expressed about Caitlin Clark, and how his views have come to be what they are today.

Shaquille O'Neal: A Brief Look at the Legend
The Early Days: A Different View
The Turning Point: Watching the "Real Deal"
Praise for Her Game and Character
Supporting the WNBA and Player Salaries
The Narrative Around Caitlin Clark
FAQs About Shaq and Caitlin Clark

Shaquille O'Neal: A Brief Look at the Legend

Before we get into his specific comments about Caitlin Clark, it helps to know a bit more about Shaquille O'Neal himself. He's, you know, a towering figure in basketball, both literally and figuratively. His career spanned many years, leaving a very big mark on the NBA. He's known for his dominant play, his charisma, and his, well, often very direct way of speaking his mind.

Shaq's career is full of championships, awards, and memorable moments. He's a true Hall of Famer, someone who has seen the game evolve over decades. This background, actually, makes his opinions on current players particularly interesting, because he speaks from a place of deep personal experience at the highest levels of the sport. He's been there, done that, and seen just about everything on the court, so his observations carry a certain weight.

Personal Details & Bio Data: Shaquille O'Neal

Full Name	Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
Nickname(s)	Shaq, The Diesel, Shaq Fu, Superman, The Big Aristotle, The Big Shamrock, The Big Cactus, The Big Daddy
Born	March 6, 1972 (age 52 as of today, May 29, 2024)
Birthplace	Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Weight	325 lb (147 kg)
College	LSU
NBA Draft	1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Playing Career	1992–2011
Position	Center
NBA Championships	4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
NBA Finals MVP	3 (2000, 2001, 2002)
NBA MVP	1 (2000)
Olympic Gold Medals	1 (1996)
Hall of Fame Induction	2016 (Basketball Hall of Fame)

The Early Days: A Different View

It might surprise some people, but Shaquille O'Neal has openly shared that he was, at one point, a bit of a "Caitlin Clark hater." This, you know, was back when she and Angel Reese were competing so intensely in college. He admitted this, which is pretty honest for someone in his position. His loyalty, it seems, was with Angel Reese, who he considers "his girl."

He explained that because he was such a fan of Angel Reese, especially with her LSU connection, he found himself pulling for her during their college matchups. So, when it came to Caitlin Clark, he said, "I never spoke about her (before) because Angel is my girl." This sentiment, apparently, was quite strong for a while. He was, to be honest, trying to be upset when he watched Clark play, simply because of his allegiance to Reese.

This initial feeling, you see, really highlights the competitive nature of college basketball and how fans, even famous ones, can get caught up in those rivalries. It's a bit like picking a side, and for Shaq, that side was Angel Reese. He was, in a way, resisting Clark's obvious talent because of his connection to another player. This shows, you know, how personal sports can be for people who love them.

The Turning Point: Watching the "Real Deal"

Shaq's feelings about Caitlin Clark didn't stay the same, though. He eventually, you know, came around. He shared that his perspective shifted quite a bit while he was watching Reese's Chicago Sky play Clark's Indiana Fever. This specific game, which happened on August 30, was a moment that apparently changed his mind for good. He was watching her play, and he said, "I'm watching her play, and I'm trying to be upset, but she makes the right."

He couldn't deny what he was seeing on the court. Despite his initial leaning towards Angel Reese, Clark's performance just spoke for itself. He, you know, simply had to acknowledge her skill. O'Neal eventually called Caitlin Clark "the real deal," a pretty strong endorsement from someone who knows basketball inside and out. This shift shows a lot about his character, actually, being able to change his mind when faced with undeniable talent.

This moment of realization, for Shaq, was pretty significant. He had to admit something about the player many had seen as Reese’s rival. He just couldn't maintain his previous stance. He went from being a "hater" to recognizing her as a legitimate force in the game. That, you know, is a big step for anyone, especially a former competitor with strong loyalties. It speaks to Clark's impact, really, that she could sway such a prominent voice in basketball.

Praise for Her Game and Character

Once Shaq came around, his praise for Caitlin Clark became pretty clear. He stated that she is "the real deal," and he has continued to express a lot of respect for her. He even, you know, joined another LSU icon to discuss the league's top rookie, showing his continued interest in her career. Former LSU standout and NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal respects WNBA rookie Caitlin Clark and has stated she is someone to watch.

He shared that he has "much respect to her and her family and the way she grew up and the way she plays." This, you know, goes beyond just her on-court abilities. He appreciates her background and how she conducts herself. He also believes that "all little girls should watch all the WNBA players," which is a broader message of support for the entire league and its athletes, with Clark being a prime example.

When the topic of Clark winning the rookie of the year award came up, Shaq had a very simple, yet powerful, seven words to share his opinion: "She's a fabulous player," he said. This, you know, sums up his current view pretty well. It’s a direct and honest assessment of her skill. He's moved past any initial reservations and now sees her as a truly exceptional talent, which is, honestly, a great thing for the sport.

Supporting the WNBA and Player Salaries

Shaquille O'Neal's support for Caitlin Clark also extends to his broader views on the WNBA. He, you know, enjoys watching the league and is a strong supporter of women's basketball. He agrees that Caitlin Clark and all WNBA players need to make higher salaries. This is a topic that has gained a lot of attention recently, and Shaq is clearly on the side of the players getting paid more for their incredible talent.

However, he also has a message for the fans about how to make that happen. He's telling fans that they need to support the players by showing up to games. He believes that increased attendance and viewership are, you know, key to the league's growth and, by extension, to better salaries for the athletes. This is a pretty practical point, really, linking fan engagement directly to financial success for the players.

His stance is that while players deserve more, fans have a big part to play in making that a reality. It's a collaborative effort, in a way. He's pushing for the entire WNBA to thrive, not just individual players. This shows his deep commitment to the sport as a whole, and his desire to see it reach its full potential, which is, you know, a very admirable position for a legend like him to take.

The Narrative Around Caitlin Clark

Shaquille O'Neal has also weighed in on the wider discussion and narrative surrounding Caitlin Clark and the recent debates within the WNBA. He, you know, gets real about the hype around her. While acknowledging her marvelous rookie season, he also suggested that the hype needs to "slow down a bit." This isn't a criticism of Clark herself, but rather a call for a more measured approach to how her story is being told.

His comments here seem to be about managing expectations and allowing her to develop without undue pressure. He's seen many players come and go, and he understands the pressures that come with being a sensation. So, his advice is, in a way, a protective gesture, encouraging everyone to appreciate her talent while also keeping things in perspective as she navigates her first professional season. It's a very seasoned view, really.

Shaq's involvement in these conversations helps to shape the public discourse around Clark and the WNBA. His voice, you know, carries significant weight, and his willingness to speak openly about his evolving views and his support for the league is pretty valuable. He's become a prominent advocate for women's basketball, which is, honestly, something the sport can always use more of. You can find more sports commentary on Sports Illustrated, for instance.

FAQs About Shaq and Caitlin Clark

Did Shaq ever dislike Caitlin Clark?

Yes, he admitted he was, you know, once a "Caitlin Clark hater." This was because he was a fan of Angel Reese and supported her during their college rivalry. He tried to be upset watching Clark play due to his loyalty to Reese, but her skill eventually changed his mind.

When did Shaq change his mind about Caitlin Clark?

Shaq said his sentiment shifted while watching Reese's Sky play Clark's Fever courtside on August 30. He was trying to be upset but saw her make the right plays, and that's when he, you know, realized she was "the real deal."

What does Shaq say about WNBA players' salaries?

Shaquille O'Neal agrees that Caitlin Clark and all WNBA players need to make higher salaries. However, he also tells fans that they need to support the players by showing up to games and watching, as this increased support is, you know, key to boosting salaries.

You can learn more about basketball history on our site, and perhaps, you know, see how players like Clark are making their mark, just like the legends before them. Also, to stay updated on current events in the WNBA, you might want to visit this page on our site, which, you know, keeps track of all the latest happenings in the league. The story of Shaquille O'Neal and Caitlin Clark is, in a way, still being written as her career progresses, and it's pretty exciting to watch.