Shaquille O’Neal Predicts His Choice for WNBA Rookie of the Year and It Will Shock You
The basketball world erupted into a frenzy when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal made his highly anticipated prediction for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year award, sending shockwaves through the sports community with a choice that defied conventional wisdom and analyst expectations. While most pundits and fans were firmly divided between Indiana Fever’s Caitlin Clark, the much-heralded number one draft pick, and Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese, the former LSU standout, Shaq’s declaration came with a twist that left everyone stunned and questioning their own basketball knowledge.
The towering former Lakers and Heat superstar, known for his larger-than-life personality and often controversial takes, didn’t just pick a side in the heated Clark versus Reese debate that dominated WNBA discussions throughout the 2024 season. Instead, O’Neal demonstrated his deep understanding of the game by focusing on elements that casual observers might have overlooked, emphasizing the importance of consistent performance, team impact, and the intangible qualities that separate good players from truly great ones in professional basketball.
What makes Shaq’s prediction particularly shocking is his reasoning behind the choice, which goes against the popular narrative that has dominated social media and sports talk shows throughout the rookie season. In a recent Instagram story, Shaq shared a post by a fan which said, “I’m calling it now Angel Reese will win Rookie of the Year.” This endorsement of Angel Reese over the heavily favored Caitlin Clark sent ripples through the basketball community, especially considering the widespread expectation that Clark would dominate the rookie conversation.
The former NBA champion’s analysis revealed a sophisticated understanding of what it takes to succeed at the professional level, particularly emphasizing the physical and mental demands of the WNBA that differ significantly from college basketball. O’Neal’s perspective carries tremendous weight in the basketball world, not just because of his Hall of Fame career, but also due to his current role as an analyst and his keen eye for identifying talent and potential in young players entering the professional ranks.
Past the midway point of the 2024 WNBA season, the race for the Rookie of the Year award is essentially down to two names, including No. 1 pick Caitlin Clark of the Fever and Sky star Angel Reese. However, Shaq’s endorsement of Reese highlighted aspects of her game that many casual observers might have missed, particularly her rebounding prowess, defensive intensity, and her ability to impact winning in ways that don’t always show up in the stat sheet.
The relationship between O’Neal and Reese adds another layer of intrigue to his prediction, as the two have developed a mentor-mentee relationship that extends beyond basketball. Reese was selected by the Sky with the No. 7 pick in the 2024 WNBA draft, pairing her up with former South Carolina star Kamilla Cardoso – who had been picked No. 3 – in what looks likely to prove a formidable front court. This strategic positioning within the Sky’s system, combined with her natural athleticism and basketball IQ, caught Shaq’s attention early in the season.
What truly makes O’Neal’s prediction shocking is his willingness to go against the grain of popular opinion and media narratives that heavily favored Clark’s candidacy. The former NBA MVP demonstrated his commitment to evaluating players based on their actual impact rather than their media coverage or pre-draft hype, showing the kind of analytical thinking that made him successful both as a player and as a basketball commentator in the post-playing career phase.
The basketball legend’s endorsement also reflects his appreciation for players who bring a certain edge and competitive fire to their game, qualities that he believes are essential for success at the highest levels of professional basketball. Angel Reese was the seventh pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft this summer. The Chicago Sky star has gotten off to a strong start to her rookie season. This strong start, combined with her consistent improvement throughout the season, clearly impressed O’Neal enough to make his bold prediction.
Furthermore, Shaq’s choice highlights the importance of looking beyond surface-level statistics and considering the broader context of a player’s contributions to their team’s success. His prediction suggests that he values the complete package of skills, attitude, and impact that a rookie brings to their organization, rather than simply focusing on individual accolades or highlight-reel moments that might dominate social media discussions.
The ripple effects of O’Neal’s prediction extended far beyond just basketball analysis, sparking debates about media bias, the evaluation of women’s basketball talent, and the criteria that should be used when assessing rookie performances in professional sports. His willingness to make such a bold prediction, knowing it would generate controversy and discussion, demonstrates his commitment to honest basketball analysis regardless of popular opinion or potential backlash from fans and media members.
As the 2024 WNBA season progressed toward its conclusion, Shaq’s prediction served as a reminder that basketball expertise often involves seeing beyond the obvious choices and recognizing value in places where others might not look. His shocking choice for Rookie of the Year not only challenged conventional wisdom but also elevated the discussion about what truly makes a successful rookie in the modern WNBA, setting the stage for what promised to be one of the most closely watched award races in recent memory.