The Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese Rookie of the Year battle is heating up faster than a microwave on steroids. With both rookies lighting up the court and pushing their teams toward playoff glory, fans are left biting their nails down to the quick. While Clark’s recent red-hot form has her leading the ROTY race, Shaquille O’Neal has jumped into the fray, using a Stephen A. Smith hot take to endorse Reese for the coveted award.
Stephen A. Smith Stirs the Pot
ESPN’s very own human foghorn, Stephen A. Smith, didn’t outright crown Angel Reese as the 2024 Rookie of the Year, but his words were pretty darn close. “Angel Reese, she may be the Rookie of the Year. She’s special… I don’t care what anybody says, cause she can play, she’s no scrub, she’s a walking double-double,” Smith proclaimed, probably as the veins in his neck were about to burst.
Of course, Shaq, never one to miss a good Instagram Story opportunity, shared Smith’s take, signaling his own endorsement of Reese. Because, you know, nothing says “I believe in you” like a social media shoutout.
Shaq and Reese: LSU’s Dynamic Duo
Shaq’s support for Reese isn’t just about her balling skills; it’s also a heartwarming tale of camaraderie and mutual admiration. Diesel and the 22-year-old phenom both hail from the hallowed halls of Louisiana State University, and Shaq’s been singing her praises since day one. His first big move as Reebok’s basketball boss? Signing Reese as a flagship ambassador. Maybe it’s the LSU connection, or maybe Shaq just has a soft spot for double-doubles that aren’t from In-N-Out.
A Bond Forged in Basketball
Shaq has played a father-figure role for Reese, guiding her through the ups and downs of her fledgling career. When injuries sidelined her, it was Shaq who kept her spirits high. “I talked to Shaq every day. We FaceTimed, he called, he checked on me every single day to make sure I was good. He told me every day, ‘this too shall pass.’ He’s been here before and he knows what it takes,” Reese shared, probably while hugging a life-size Shaq pillow for comfort.
Reese’s Remarkable Season
Reese’s stats this season are nothing short of impressive. Averaging 13.5 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, she’s even surpassed Candace Parker for the most consecutive double-doubles. Yes, you read that right—Reese is out here rewriting history books while the rest of us struggle to remember our Netflix passwords.
Final Thoughts: Shaq’s Stamp of Approval
While Clark may have the edge right now, Shaq’s backing of Reese adds an intriguing twist to the ROTY saga. Both players are etching their names into the annals of basketball history, but with Shaq’s full-throated endorsement, Reese might just have that extra push to claim the title. One thing’s for sure: this Rookie of the Year race is anything but a slam dunk.
