Shaquille O’Neal has talked about the enthusiasm surrounding WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark and has recognized that she is the authentic deal after witnessing her performance in Chicago in late August.
“When I observe events on television I think, alright, I would like to see it in person. Well, I witnessed it live,” O’Neal commented about Clark, through USA Today. “She can deliver … from a basketball viewpoint, she executes all the right plays, engages everyone, and possesses that Steph Curry (shooting) range.”
Charles Barkley recently lambasted the NBA media for their ‘petty’ and ‘jealous’ behavior toward Clark.
However, Shaq sees it differently.
“There’s jealous envy, there’s professional envy,” O’Neal expressed. “Sure, many people are professionally envious. I am. I’m professionally envious of several individuals. I’m professionally envious of Steph [Curry], who makes $60 million. But hey, that’s just the way it is.
“You also have to acknowledge that we’re not going to simply give it to you because everyone else is doing so. You still have to earn it. Chuck had to face that, I had to face that, so I understand what everyone is going through. Yes, you’re talented, but you aren’t that remarkable yet. Slow down. We still have Diana Taurasi, we still have A’ja Wilson; if you’re going to give (Caitlin) credit, make sure that our players who are shining in this league receive the same recognition.”
O’Neal went on to discuss the dominance of Wilson, who is having a phenomenal season with the Aces and seems destined to capture her third MVP.
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