Over the past few months, many WNBA players have developed a sense of resentment toward Caitlin Clark, who has been credited with increasing the league’s marketability and viewership. Though some have condemned WNBA players who have voiced such opinions, Shaquille O’Neal took a different side. Instead of calling out the Clark critics, the legendary big man urged people to recognize the impact of other players who deserve their flowers.

“Let’s make something clear; one person may have all the props, but it’s never one person. Don’t say we’re getting new sponsorships because of Caitlin. No, what about Angel, what about Kardoso… my favorite, Kelsey Plum?” Shaq asked. “I think why people get upset is, as a player, you don’t want to be forgotten.”

Shaq says Reese was upset with him

The fact every player demands respect for their efforts is best seen when they face Caitlin. For instance, A’ja Wilson dropped 29 points and 15 rebounds against the Indiana Fever. Breanna Stewart scored 31 points in Clark’s home debut and Jewel Loyd scored 32 points to steal the spotlight from Caitlin in front of a sellout 18,000 crowd.

Shaq called this ‘professional jealousy’ among fellow stars, encouraging them to outperform Clark and prove that they deserve the same attention he gets. ‘The Big Aristotle’ also shared that fellow LSU prospect Angel Reese got upset with him for not defending her side when Charles Barkley called WNBA players petty for not appreciating Clark’s impact on the league.

“Angel actually called me. She was upset (and asked), ‘Why you didn’t say nothing?’ I said, ‘Angel, because Charles does what he always does. He takes up a segment,'” Shaq added. “And by the time (it’s my turn to speak), ‘Sorry we got to get to commercial.'”

Can Reese get her spotlight?

While players like Rickea Jackson, Kate Martin, and Cameron Brink are expected to be in the running for the 2024 WNBA Rookie of The Year award, Reese also has a strong case.

The Chicago Sky forward has been playing at a high level, scoring in double figures in nine out of her 11 games so far. She also leads the league in offensive rebounds (52), ranks fourth in steals (1.9), and fifth in boards per game (9.6).

If Reese manages to snag that ROY award from Caitlin, she’ll have the bragging rights over the Fever guard, who’s been getting all the spotlight. And even though that probably won’t end the Clark targeting, such a competition is great for the league.