4-time NBA champion picks Angel Reese as Rookie of the Year over Caitlin Clark (Image credits: @angelreese5, @caitlinclark22/Instagram)

Four-time NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal gave his thoughts on the WNBA Rookie of the Year race. The race to win the award has been tight as Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark have performed brilliantly. However, O’Neal only sees one player who has been the best among the star rookies.

O’Neal knows what it’s like to be a star rookie as he took the league by storm in 1992. He was named an All-Star in his first season and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. Now, it’s Reese and Clark who are taking over in their league in their first professional season.

The former LA Lakers star has followed both players, mostly Reese, ever since they were in college. Given that he played for LSU, O’Neal has a soft spot for the Chicago Sky forward. Even when he put aside their college ties, he still sees the forward as the clear winner for the Rookie of the Year award.

“I’m so happy for her, so happy for her team and 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.

Even after picking Reese, O’Neal still gave credit to what Clark has done for the Indiana Fever this season.

“I give the vote to Angel, Caitlin is a fabulous player, the female Steph Curry. They have done a lot for the game, but let’s not forget the people that made the game what it was. I will never forget Sheryl Swoopes, Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie.”

“[Angel Reese is] definitely leading in the Rookie of the Year race.”

Shaq says that Caitlin Clark is a "fabulous player" but his vote for ROTY is for Angel Reese right now 👀 pic.twitter.com/bGmSgTeXSn

— espnW (@espnW) July 17, 2024

Reese has put up an average of 13.5 points, 11.9 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game for the Sky. She’s also registered 18 straight double-doubles, which is proof of how great she’s been. Clark, on the other hand, is averaging 16.8 points, 5.8 rebounds and 7.8 assists.

Angel Reese’s teammate spoke highly of her

Rookies have a tough job of playing their best while earning the respect of their veteran teammates. Angel Reese has done a wonderful job in doing both and her teammate, Chennedy Carter, has spoken highly of her after their recent win against the defending champions, Las Vegas Aces.

“Angel is somebody that works hard no matter what it’s looking like,” Carter said. “I tell her as one of her teammates and one of the closest people to her on this team: no matter what, I got your back.”

Chennedy carter speaking on the team and Angel reese in this sweet post game interview ❤️🙏🏾#Skytown pic.twitter.com/t6kW5CxI1d

— ChennedyMuse! (@HoIIywood50) July 17, 2024

It’s important to have a reliable teammate and Reese struck gold in being on the same team as Carter. The veteran player believes that the LSU alum will do great things in the WNBA.