Past the halfway mark of the 2024 WNBA season, the Rookie of the Year race is mainly between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
Shaquille O’Neal has made his choice clear, and it’s not surprising.
On Wednesday, Shaq explained why he backs Reese, saying it’s not just because they both went to LSU.
“I know she remembers a lot of people saying, ‘the way you play at LSU is not going to translate in this game,’ and I know she took that to heart,” O’Neal said on ESPN’s Sportscenter. “So happy for her. So happy for her team. 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 also praised Clark as a “tremendous player,” but his support for Reese is obvious. Over time, Shaq has been like a mentor to Reese. She shared that their bond goes beyond basketball and would remain strong even if she didn’t play.
“He doesn’t care about me as a player; he cares about me as a person,” Reese told Lindsay Schnell of USA Today.
Shaq’s Influence:
Shaq has another reason to cheer for Reese. Just after becoming Reebok’s president of basketball operations in October 2023, he signed her as his first major NIL deal.
Reese leads rookies in rebounds per game (11.9) and is second in points (13.5). But comparing stats shows Clark might have an edge overall.
Clark outshines Reese in most categories except rebounds and field goal percentage (.402). From outside eight feet, Clark shoots 33.8%, while Reese hits only 25%. Though it might be unfair since Reese plays closer to the basket as a six-foot-three forward, Clark still posts better numbers near the hoop too.
Fans might feel torn between two amazing players who both bring so much excitement to the game!
Reese excels around the basket but shoots only 43% from eight feet or closer compared to Clark’s 54.3%. Of Reeseโs 115 field goals, most are layups at a 42.4% success rate; meanwhile, Clark makes 57.3% of her layup tries with fewer attempts overall.
Both players have significantly impacted the WNBA and deserve praise for helping grow the sport. Yet despite their talents making them worthy candidates for Rookie of the Year honorsโit’s clear there’s one standout leader here: Caitlin Clark or Angel Reese?
What do you think? Who should win?
