PHOTO: Shaquille O’Neal Predicts His Choice for WNBA Rookie of the Year and It Will Shock You

Angel Reese gets Shaquille O'Neal supportAngel Reese, Caitlin Clark and Shaquille O’Neal (Image Source: Getty Images, IG/Shaquille O’Neal)

Angel Reese made headlines with her outstanding performance against old rival Caitlin Clark and her team, Indiana Fever. With her record-setting game, the Chicago forward even forced NBA superstar Shaquille O’Neil to root for her in the Rookie of the Year race.

After the thrilling game between the WNBA teams on Sunday, Shaq shared a post on his Instagram story where it was written “I’m calling it now Angel Reese will win Rookie of the Year.” 

Shaq backs Angel Reese Shaq backs Angel Reese (Image Source: IG/Shaquille O’Neal)

The two teams have faced off each other twice this season, with the Fever as the dominant side. However, in their third encounter, the game ended 88-87 in favor of the Chicago franchise, thanks to Reese’s excellence. She entertained the home crowd with her game-high 25 points and 16 rebounds, scoring her 8th consecutive double-double while setting a new rookie record in the league.

Reese is averaging 13.2 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.7 steals this season. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten that Clark is putting up 16.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. With over half the season left, the Indiana point guard could crush Reese’s dreams of bagging the ROTY title.

That was a bold move by the Lakers’ legend, considering Indiana’s No. 1 draft pick is moving in the same direction. However, there could be other reasons for O’Neil’s support apart from Reese’s.

 

Possible Reason for Shaquille O’Neal to Back Angel Reese

Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese have shared a strong bond even before she was drafted into the WNBA. Reese has often mentioned that the 4-time NBA champion is her mentor. Their connection originated from having the same roots, LSU.

Their bond cemented especially after the Reebok deal. Last year, the brand declared Shaq as its first president of basketball, and he lived up to his role by getting one of the top women athletes, Reese, on board.

One reason Reese agreed to be the face of basketball for Reebok was Shaq, as confirmed by the budding star. So, it can be easily stated that their connection could have played a huge role in O’Neal’s support for the Chicago forward.

REPORT: New York Knicks’ Star Forward OG Anunoby’s Initial Bidding Price Skyrockets Amid Contract Negotiations

OG AnunobyOG Anunoby (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
The 2023-24 season has been a season of improvement for the Knicks. After years of failure to reach the playoffs, the NY franchise made back-to-back appearances in the postseason for the first time since 2013. In the off-season the team wants to move forward and the first step to that starts with OG Anunoby’s contract.

The Knicks forward is entering the final year of his contract with the Knicks which he signed with his previous team, the Raptors. Anunoby has a player option in his contract and he can easily ditch the $19 million and hit free agency because he can surely have a better offer elsewhere. To stave off that situation, the Knicks are ready to sign him to a long-term contract. According to Brian Windhorst, a $ 35 million per year deal can be the starting rate for the Briton’s services.

The fee was projected to be $30 million but now with free agency approaching the price jumped quite a bit. However, it won’t be a problem for the Knicks as they’re well below the second apron of luxury tax. With a cap space of -$65 million, even with Anunoby’s new deal, the Knicks can avoid any penalties according to the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

More so, the franchise values the Knicks’ input. In the absence of Julius Randle, Anunoby became a stalwart alongside Josh Hart in the frontcourt.

Looking Back at OG Anunoby’s Season

Since his move from the Raptors in December, Anunoby made himself at home in New York. Scoring 3 20+ point games in the second half of the regular season, Anunoby made himself aligned with the common goal of chasing the title.