Shaquille O’Neal Responds To ESPN Analyst’s Strong Take On Angel Reese

Angel Reese entered the WNBA as a bonafide superstar following her legendary college career with the LSU Tigers. The Chicago Sky rookie has already climbed the league’s hierarchy and is widely considered one of the best players at any position.  Reese is battling for the league’s Rookie of the Year award, most notably competing against Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark.

As analysts and fans argue their opinions on the WNBA’s Rookie of the Year award, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith chimed into the conversation.  Smith spoke on his opinion of Reese in Friday’s episode of “First Take,” mentioning that she “may” win Rookie of the Year while describing her as a leader in helping boost the WNBA’s popularity.

“She may be Rookie of the Year,” Smith said. “She’s special… I don’t care what anybody says, cause she can play, she’s no scrub, she’s a walking double-double… Marketability matters, and if you could have that girl on the team, make sure you do it. That’s going to elevate the popularity of the sport in a rising time, and a rising tide lifts all boats.”

Following Smith’s take on one of the WNBA’s biggest stars, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal reposted the First Take clip on social media.  O’Neal has noted on various occasions that he believes Reese is the WNBA Rookie of the Year despite calling Clark a “fabulous player.”

“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 said in late July.  He doubled down on his take on Friday, reposting the video of Smith’s comment.

“Angel Reese … she may be Rookie of the Year. She’s special!”@stephenasmith loves what he’s been seeing from the Chi-Town Barbie this season 👏 pic.twitter.com/qHFiGvJ7c0

— First Take (@FirstTake) August 2, 2024

While it’s an extremely debatable subject, Angel Reese could certainly be viewed as the leader for the WNBA Rookie of the Year award.  The 22-year-old is currently averaging 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, listed as the No. 2 player in the WNBA in terms of average rebounds, behind MVP frontrunner A’ja Wilson.

She has established herself as one of the best rebounders in the WNBA, recently securing the league record for the most consecutive double-doubles with 15 straight.  Caitlin Clark, on the other hand, is averaging 17.1 points and a league-leading 8.2 assists per game.  While Clark has had an incredible run in her first WNBA season, Smith and O’Neal have clearly chosen their side on the Rookie of the Year award, giving Angel Reese the edge as of now.