What Did Shaq Say About Caitlin Clark? Unpacking The NBA Legend's Evolving Views

Matilde Littel 29 Jul 2025

Shaquille O'Neal, a true titan of the basketball world, has never been one to hold back his feelings, you know? His opinions, very often, make waves across the sports community. So, it's almost no wonder that when it comes to the sensational rise of Caitlin Clark, everyone has been pretty curious about where the big man stands. From college rivalries to her explosive WNBA debut, Clark has certainly captured the attention of millions, and Shaq, it turns out, has had a fascinating journey with his thoughts on her game.

For a while there, it's true, Shaquille O'Neal actually admitted to being a bit of a "hater" when it came to Caitlin Clark. This might surprise some, but honestly, it makes a little sense if you think about it. He was, after all, a really big fan of Angel Reese during their intense college battles, which were, you know, absolutely captivating to watch. That history, in some respects, shaped his initial perspective, putting him firmly in "Team Reese" as those epic showdowns unfolded on the court.

But things, thankfully, have a way of changing, don't they? Shaquille O'Neal has since, quite publicly, shifted his outlook on the Indiana Fever rookie. His candid remarks about Clark, especially after seeing her play in person, reveal a true appreciation for her remarkable talent and the profound impact she's had on women's basketball. It's a story of evolving perspectives, and it's rather interesting to see how a legendary figure like Shaq came around to recognizing Clark's undeniable brilliance.

Shaquille O'Neal: A Legendary Figure
Shaq's Initial Stance: Team Reese All the Way
The Turning Point: Seeing Caitlin Clark In Person
Respect for a Game-Changer: Clark's Impact on Women's Basketball
The Brittney Griner Controversy and Shaq's Name
Caitlin Clark: TIME Athlete of the Year and Shaq's Reaction
Shaq's Broader Comments on the WNBA and Pay Scale

Shaquille O'Neal: A Legendary Figure

Shaquille O'Neal, as many know, is a truly iconic figure in the world of sports. His presence, both on and off the court, is, well, just massive. He's always been known for being incredibly outspoken and, you know, completely unfiltered, which is part of what makes him so captivating. This characteristic has, quite naturally, led to him being at the center of many discussions, especially when it comes to hot topics in basketball. His journey from an initial skeptic of Caitlin Clark to a clear admirer is, in some ways, a testament to his honest approach to the game and its players. He's a Hall of Famer, after all, and his insights, even if they shift, carry considerable weight.

Personal Details and Bio Data of Shaquille O'Neal

Attribute	Detail
Full Name	Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal
Nickname	Shaq, The Diesel, Superman, Shaq Fu
Born	March 6, 1972 (age 52 as of 2024)
Birthplace	Newark, New Jersey, USA
Height	7 ft 1 in (2.16 m)
Weight	325 lb (147 kg)
Position	Center
NBA Draft	1st overall pick in 1992 (Orlando Magic)
College	LSU
NBA Championships	4 (3x Lakers, 1x Heat)
NBA Finals MVP	3 times
NBA MVP	1 time
Hall of Fame	Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2016)

Shaq's Initial Stance: Team Reese All the Way

So, it's almost funny to think about now, but Shaquille O'Neal actually admitted he used to be, in his own words, a "Caitlin Clark hater." This wasn't, you know, out of any personal animosity, but rather because he was a really big fan of Angel Reese. Back when Clark and Reese would go head-to-head in college, those matchups were, truly, must-watch television. The competitive spirit between them was absolutely palpable, and Shaq, like many others, found himself drawn into the rivalry, picking a side. He felt, reportedly, that he had to be "Team Reese" or "Team Clark," and for a period, his allegiance was firmly with Reese, which, you know, makes a lot of sense given his LSU ties and his general appreciation for strong, competitive players. That's just how it was for him, in a way, during those college days.

He even, apparently, revealed this on the "Unapologetically Angel" podcast, which is Angel Reese's own show. This appearance really showcased the competitive tensions that were so prominent in women's college basketball during that time. It's interesting, really, to hear him openly discuss his initial bias. He was, basically, caught up in the excitement of the rivalry, and because he admired Reese so much, his perspective on Clark was, for a while, a little clouded by that loyalty. It's a very human reaction, honestly, to get invested in those kinds of high-stakes sports battles.

The Turning Point: Seeing Caitlin Clark In Person

The biggest factor in Shaquille O'Neal changing his mind about Caitlin Clark was, quite simply, seeing her play live. He had the chance to watch her in person, especially during a game against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky. That experience, it seems, was truly eye-opening for him. When you see a player's skills up close, you know, it can really alter your perception, and that's exactly what happened with Shaq. He was, apparently, incredibly impressed with what he called her "complete game." It wasn't just the scoring, but her passing, her court vision, and her overall impact on the game that really caught his attention. He saw her, as he put it, as "the real deal."

He mentioned this shift, you know, on Angel Reese's podcast, too, which is kind of a big deal, admitting to a change of heart right there. He explained that he felt like he had to pick a side, but over time, after watching more and more, his thinking altered. He even used a pretty cool analogy, saying something like, "If I say 10 times you not gonna hit the shot and you hit the shot, that means you the truth." That's how he described Caitlin's game, recognizing her ability to deliver even when others might doubt. This kind of direct observation, honestly, tends to be the most powerful way to change a person's mind, especially someone as discerning about basketball talent as Shaq.

Respect for a Game-Changer: Clark's Impact on Women's Basketball

Once Shaquille O'Neal saw Caitlin Clark play in person and recognized her incredible talent, his respect for her grew immensely. He didn't just acknowledge her skills; he openly stated that she has, quite literally, "changed women's basketball for the better." That's a huge compliment coming from an NBA Hall of Famer, honestly. He respects her impact on the game, seeing how she has brought so many new eyes and so much new excitement to the WNBA and the sport in general. It's pretty clear he sees her as a pivotal figure, someone who is truly expanding the reach and popularity of women's hoops.

His honest truth about the Indiana Fever rookie is that she's a phenomenal player, and more than that, she's a phenomenon for the sport. He's a former LSU standout himself, so for him to give such high praise to a player who was a rival in college, you know, really speaks volumes about Clark's abilities. He has, in some respects, moved past the college rivalry and now sees the bigger picture: how Clark's presence is elevating the entire league. It's a very clear sign of his admiration for what she's doing for the sport, which, you know, is something to really appreciate.

The Brittney Griner Controversy and Shaq's Name

There was a moment, you know, when Shaquille O'Neal's name got, more or less, caught up in a bit of a storm involving Brittney Griner and Caitlin Clark. A viral Facebook post, apparently, claimed that Shaq had made a critical remark about Brittney Griner. Given Shaq's reputation for being outspoken and incredibly unfiltered, it wasn't, honestly, hard for many people to believe that he might have commented. This was especially true amid the recent controversy surrounding Griner and the WNBA rookie sensation, Caitlin Clark. It's just the kind of situation where people might expect Shaq to weigh in, you know?

The controversy itself involved Brittney Griner, who, as you might recall, was freed from Russian imprisonment. Footage had emerged of the Atlanta Dream star making some furious remarks during her team's defeat to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. What was, frankly, debatable was whether it was a racial slur toward Caitlin Clark or just a general remark toward the referees. The text indicates that during a recent game, Griner was seen mouthing words like "trash" and "f***ing white girl" about Clark while sitting on the bench. While Shaq's name was linked to *rumors* of him commenting on Griner, the provided text does not say he actually made those specific comments about Griner's remarks, but rather that his outspoken nature made it easy for people to *believe* he had. This is, you know, an important distinction to make, as his general candor can sometimes lead to assumptions about his involvement in various discussions.

Caitlin Clark: TIME Athlete of the Year and Shaq's Reaction

When Caitlin Clark was named TIME Magazine's 2024 Athlete of the Year, it was, naturally, a pretty big deal. Shaquille O'Neal, who had, you know, admitted to being a "hater" earlier, finally broke his silence on this significant achievement. He got right to the point when discussing her winning this prestigious honor. For him, it was another clear indicator of her immense impact and undeniable talent. It’s a very public acknowledgment of her status, and for someone like Shaq, who truly understands what it takes to reach the top, it certainly resonated.

His reaction to her receiving such a high-profile award further solidified his changed perspective. It wasn't just about her on-court performance anymore; it was about her broader cultural influence and how she's truly captured the public's imagination. This award, in a way, validated everything he had come to see in her game and her presence in the sport. It's pretty cool to see a legendary figure like Shaq, who has achieved so much himself, publicly celebrate a rising star's accomplishments, especially after his initial, somewhat skeptical, view. This shows, you know, a genuine appreciation for greatness, regardless of past opinions.

Shaq's Broader Comments on the WNBA and Pay Scale

Beyond his specific comments on Caitlin Clark's game and her impact, Shaquille O'Neal has also used the platform provided by the current buzz around players like Clark and Angel Reese to, you know, weigh in on some bigger issues. He spoke out about the NBA's current pay scale while watching Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese play live. This shows that his interest isn't just in the individual players, but also in the broader economic structure of professional basketball, particularly as it relates to the WNBA. He's often been, you know, very vocal about player compensation throughout his career, so this isn't entirely new for him.

He also, apparently, weighed in on why the hype, perhaps, needs to slow down just a little bit when it comes to rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. While he clearly admires her, he also understands the pressures and expectations that come with such massive popularity. This suggests a nuanced view, not just pure adoration, but also a pragmatic understanding of the long game in professional sports. He's a veteran of the league, after all, and has seen many promising players come and go. So, his comments, in a way, offer a bit of a cautionary note, emphasizing sustained performance over initial excitement. It's a very real perspective from someone who has been there, done that, and seen it all. You can learn more about the NBA on our site, and you can also find out more about women's basketball's rising stars.

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What Did Shaq Say About Caitlin Clark? Unpacking The NBA Legend's Evolving Views

Table of Contents

Shaquille O'Neal: A Legendary Figure

Personal Details and Bio Data of Shaquille O'Neal

Shaq's Initial Stance: Team Reese All the Way

The Turning Point: Seeing Caitlin Clark In Person

Respect for a Game-Changer: Clark's Impact on Women's Basketball

The Brittney Griner Controversy and Shaq's Name

Caitlin Clark: TIME Athlete of the Year and Shaq's Reaction

Shaq's Broader Comments on the WNBA and Pay Scale

People Also Ask (FAQs)

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