In a recent discussion, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal shared his thoughts on the rising star Caitlin Clark, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the achievements of established WNBA players while acknowledging Clark’s potential. O’Neal’s comments come in response to the growing hype surrounding Clark, a rookie sensation who has been making waves in the WNBA.
Clark has been turning heads with her impressive performances. Despite her already remarkable achievements, O’Neal believes that the excitement around Clark should be tempered with respect for the veterans who have been dominating the league for years.
O’Neal’s main point is that while Clark is undoubtedly talented, she still has a lot to prove.
“Yeah, you’re great, but you ain’t that great yet. Calm down,” he said,
urging fans and commentators to give due credit to players like Diana Taurasi and A’ja Wilson.
Taurasi, often hailed as the greatest of all time, continues to perform at a high level, averaging 15.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game this season. Meanwhile, Wilson recently broke the WNBA single-season scoring record, further cementing her status as one of the league’s top players.
O’Neal’s comments highlight a broader issue in sports: the tendency to focus on the next big thing while overlooking the consistent excellence of established stars. He argues that it’s not about hating on Clark but about ensuring that all players receive the recognition they deserve.
“People like props and they want to feel good when you’re talking about their league,” he explained.
While O’Neal acknowledges Clark’s potential, he stresses the importance of patience and respect for the journey.
“Everybody has to wait their turn,” he said, drawing parallels to his own career and the paths of other greats like Charles Barkley.
This perspective encourages a more balanced view, celebrating both the emerging talents and the seasoned veterans who have paved the way.
