Angel Reese, the self-proclaimed queen of college basketball, has once again found herself at the center of controversy, and this time, it’s not just her on-court antics that have sparked debate. In recent weeks, Reese has been involved in a public spat with none other than NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, after Shaq praised Caitlyn Clark and the meteoric rise of the WNBA, leaving Reese feeling overshadowed and overlooked. The drama has unfolded in front of a large audience, with Reese’s fiery response and Shaq’s subtle critiques leading to a deeper conversation about the future of women’s basketball.
The conflict between Reese and Shaq began after the Hall of Famer made comments about the WNBA, calling out the NBA’s over-reliance on three-point shooting while celebrating the growth of the women’s game. He didn’t just highlight Clark, but also celebrated the entire WNBA, which has seen an uptick in viewership and attendance. Among the WNBA players he mentioned were A’ja Wilson, Sabrina Ionescu, and yes, Angel Reese herself, who has garnered considerable attention over the past year. While Shaq’s words were meant to uplift the women’s game, Reese took them as a personal attack, particularly when Shaq praised Caitlyn Clark for her historical rise.
Reese, who had been reveling in the spotlight of her own NCAA Championship victory, took offense at the focus on Clark’s success. Shaq’s comments on Clark’s all-around talent, combined with her breakout performances in the WNBA, seemed to set off Reese, who had struggled to capitalize on her own momentum. The rivalry between Reese and Clark has been well-documented, dating back to last year’s NCAA Championship game, where Clark’s legendary scoring feats clashed with Reese’s unapologetic celebrations. That game became the stuff of legend, and while Clark used it as a springboard for further stardom, Reese has been stuck in the past, unable—or unwilling—to move on.
Reese’s reaction to Shaq’s praise of Clark is a fascinating example of someone missing the bigger picture. In her mind, Shaq’s comments were not simply a celebration of Clark’s talent but rather a subtle dismissal of her own contributions to the sport. She’s taken to social media to vent her frustration, responding to critics and seemingly trying to stake her claim in the conversation, while Clark has quietly continued to focus on her game. Reese, for all her talent, seems more interested in the headlines than in the work required to maintain long-term success.
Shaq’s critique of the NBA was not just a personal jab at Reese or any other player—it was a broader comment on the state of basketball. He pointed out that the NBA’s current reliance on three-point shooting has made the game more predictable and less exciting to watch. In contrast, the WNBA’s emphasis on fundamentals, defense, and teamwork has made it a refreshing alternative, drawing in more fans and breaking attendance records. Reese, however, appears to have focused more on the parts of Shaq’s comments that involved Clark and her rise in popularity, rather than the larger conversation about the WNBA’s impact.
While Shaq’s comments were undoubtedly a reminder that the WNBA is on the rise, it was his celebration of Caitlyn Clark that really seemed to ruffle Reese’s feathers. Reese, who has often played the role of the misunderstood underdog, felt as though Shaq was turning his back on her, even though he had praised her in the past. This clash of egos has only served to fuel the media frenzy surrounding the two players, turning their rivalry into a spectacle that has been hard to ignore.
But here’s the irony: Reese and Clark are essentially fighting for the same cause. Both women have played pivotal roles in bringing women’s basketball into the mainstream, proving that the sport deserves the same respect and recognition as its male counterpart. And yet, while Clark has embraced her role as a trailblazer, focusing on her game and letting her performances speak for themselves, Reese seems more interested in stoking the flames of rivalry and drama. This approach has led to a situation where Reese is often the center of attention, but not always for the right reasons.
In many ways, Clark’s rise has been the embodiment of what women’s basketball can become. Her recent All-Star Game performance shattered records, with over 3.4 million viewers tuning in, proving that women’s basketball is no longer a niche interest. She has become the face of the WNBA, drawing in fans with her skill and charisma. Fans aren’t tuning in to see who’s feuding on social media—they’re tuning in to see greatness, and Clark delivers that with every game.
In contrast, Reese seems to be struggling to come to terms with her role in the league. She has been involved in multiple public feuds, most notably with Clark, and while her fiery personality has made her a polarizing figure, it has also distracted from her true potential. Reese has the talent to be one of the best players in the WNBA, but if she doesn’t shift her focus away from drama and onto her game, she risks being left behind.
As much as Reese has the potential to be a star, it’s clear that Clark is already carving out a legacy that extends beyond just basketball. Caitlyn Clark has shown that women’s basketball isn’t just worth watching—it’s worth celebrating. She’s making history with every game, breaking records and changing the way people perceive the sport. That’s a legacy that no amount of rivalry or drama can overshadow.
What’s particularly striking about Reese’s reaction is that it distracts from the real conversation happening around the WNBA. The league is on the cusp of something extraordinary, with record-breaking viewership and attendance, and players like Clark, Wilson, and Ionescu are leading the charge. They are focused on the game, letting their performances speak for themselves, and it’s paying off. The WNBA is more than just a league—it’s becoming a cultural movement, one that’s here to stay.
But for Reese to truly cement her legacy, she needs to focus on her game and leave the drama behind. The WNBA is entering its golden era, and there’s room for everyone—but only if they’re willing to rise to the occasion. If Reese continues to let rivalries and theatrics dominate her narrative, she risks becoming a footnote in a league that’s moving forward without her.
For now, all eyes are on Caitlyn Clark. The face of the WNBA, Clark has proven that she belongs among the all-time greats. As for Reese, she will have to decide whether to follow Clark’s lead or risk becoming a distraction. Only time will tell which path she will choose, but one thing is certain—the world of women’s basketball is changing, and the future is looking brighter than ever.
