After praising Caitlin Clark as “The Future,” Shaq turns to face Angel Reese with a vicious grin that immediately provoked discussion. 

In the ever-evolving landscape of women’s basketball, few moments have captured the collective attention of fans and pundits alike as powerfully as Shaquille O’Neal’s recent commentary on his popular podcast, “The Big Podcast with Shaq.”

The NBA Hall of Famer, known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off the court, delivered a moment that instantly reverberated across social media and sports media outlets:

he offered unfiltered praise for Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, labeling her “the future” of the WNBA, while his subsequent reaction to Chicago Sky’s Angel Reese—a pointed smile, loaded with implication—sparked a heated debate that continues to dominate headlines.

Shaq’s Unfiltered Praise for Caitlin Clark

During the podcast episode, Shaq did not mince words when discussing Caitlin Clark’s impact on the league.

“Caitlin Clark is the future,” he declared, his tone unequivocal. “She’s changing the game.

You can see it in the way people are tuning in, the way the arenas are filling up, the way young girls are picking up a basketball and dreaming bigger.”

Clark, who shattered NCAA scoring records at the University of Iowa and entered the WNBA with unprecedented fanfare, has quickly become one of the most recognizable faces in the sport.

Her deep three-pointers, court vision, and competitive fire have electrified fans and led to record-breaking television ratings for women’s basketball.

O’Neal’s praise, coming from one of the most dominant figures in basketball history, only adds to the growing chorus of voices anointing Clark as the league’s next superstar.

“Caitlin has that ‘it’ factor,” Shaq continued. “She’s not just putting up numbers—she’s making everyone around her better. She’s the player you build a franchise around.”

The Moment That Sparked Controversy

However, what truly set social media ablaze was not just O’Neal’s effusive praise for Clark, but his subsequent reaction to Angel Reese.

When the conversation shifted to the Chicago Sky rookie—herself a standout at LSU and a key figure in the growing rivalry with Clark—Shaq paused, offered a knowing, almost mischievous smile, and uttered a few words that fans immediately interpreted as a subtle jab.

While O’Neal did acknowledge Reese’s talent and tenacity, his tone shifted.

“Angel’s got heart, no doubt,” he said, “but there’s levels to this game. Some rise, some reel.” The phrase, paired with his smile, was enough to send the basketball world into a frenzy.

Social Media Reacts: “One Rose, One Reeled”

Within minutes, clips of the podcast were circulating on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and TikTok.

Fans dissected every word, every inflection, and especially that smile. Was Shaq simply being honest about the gap between Clark and Reese at this early stage of their careers? Or was he stoking the flames of an already intense rivalry?

The phrase “one rose, one reeled” quickly became a trending topic, with users debating its meaning and fairness.

Supporters of Clark celebrated O’Neal’s endorsement, seeing it as validation of her transformative impact on the game. Reese’s fans, meanwhile, rallied to her defense, pointing to her own impressive achievements and the adversity she has overcome, both on and off the court.

The Context: Clark vs. Reese Rivalry

The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese has been one of the defining storylines in women’s basketball over the past two years.

Their epic showdown in the 2023 NCAA championship game—where Reese’s LSU Tigers bested Clark’s Iowa Hawkeyes—captured the imagination of sports fans nationwide.

The game was a showcase of elite talent, competitive fire, and, yes, a bit of trash talk, most notably Reese’s now-iconic “you can’t see me” gesture toward Clark.

Since then, both players have entered the WNBA amid enormous expectations.

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick, has been hailed as a generational talent, while Reese, drafted seventh, has quickly established herself as a force on the boards and a vocal leader for the Sky.

Shaq’s History With Both Players

It’s worth noting that Shaquille O’Neal has personal connections to both players.

As an LSU alumnus and prominent supporter, he has long championed Angel Reese, often referring to her as “Bayou Barbie” and celebrating her achievements.

His praise for Clark, therefore, carries even more weight, as it suggests a genuine recognition of her unique impact rather than simple fandom.

The Debate: Fair Critique or Unnecessary Shade?

In the days following the podcast, sports talk shows and online forums have been awash with debate.

Some argue that Shaq’s comments reflect the reality of the current WNBA landscape, where Clark’s arrival has undeniably elevated the league’s profile.

Others contend that his smile and choice of words were unnecessarily dismissive of Reese, who has faced criticism and scrutiny at every step of her journey.

“Shaq’s just telling it like it is,” said one fan on X. “Clark is the future. That doesn’t mean Reese isn’t great, but there’s a difference.”

Others disagreed. “Angel Reese deserves more respect,” wrote another. “She’s a champion, she’s resilient, and she’s still growing. Don’t count her out.”

The Impact on the WNBA

Regardless of where fans fall in the debate, one thing is clear: Shaq’s comments have only heightened interest in the WNBA and its emerging stars.

Ticket sales, merchandise, and TV ratings have all surged since Clark and Reese entered the league, and their rivalry—now fueled by O’Neal’s remarks—shows no signs of slowing down.

For the league, this is a golden opportunity.

The WNBA has long sought to capture the kind of mainstream attention that men’s sports routinely enjoy, and the Clark-Reese dynamic, amplified by the voices of legends like Shaquille O’Neal, is helping to make that vision a reality.

Looking Ahead

As the WNBA season unfolds, all eyes will be on Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.

Will Clark continue her meteoric rise and fulfill Shaq’s prophecy as “the future” of the game? Will Reese use the perceived slight as motivation to elevate her play and silence the doubters?

Only time will tell.

What is certain is that moments like these—where legends weigh in, rivalries intensify, and fans passionately debate—are exactly what the sport needs to reach new heights.

Shaq’s words, and that now-famous smile, have added another layer to a story that is still being written.