Shaq considers Caitlin Clark the real deal,' dismissing Barkley's pettiness.

Shaq considers Caitlin Clark the real deal,' dismissing Barkley's pettiness.

[{"selector":"#anim-5e5aade3-88af-43e8-b241-baa9c464dbe3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] O'Neal is the first to praise Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese's accomplishments. To Reese, the Hall of Famer and former LSU star is like a parent.

[{"selector":"#anim-060ea84b-7270-4318-8bac-89bd716d7d7d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-15.584661811646312%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] However, NBA legend O'Neal revealed something about Reese's biggest rival: O'Neal called Clark “the real deal.”

[{"selector":"#anim-3d3fc547-6a9c-4031-ad7f-09f7754ce694 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] On Aug. 30, O'Neal watched Reese's Sky play Clark's Fever in the 2024 season finale in Chicago. O'Neal cheered Reese's Reebok basketball shoe debut.

[{"selector":"#anim-ab4c8d92-2d73-4d2d-b997-324c15e62fc3 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.179687404002955%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] The Fever defeated Chicago 100-81 behind Clark's career-high 31 points and 12 assists. Reese scored 10 and grabbed 11. Clark impressed O’Neal. When I see something on TV, I want to see it in person.

[{"selector":"#anim-9ab853bf-f579-497e-9702-1f0259f6a037 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] It was in person, O'Neal stated of Clark. "She can play..." In basketball, she makes all the correct passes, gets everyone engaged, and shoots like Steph Curry.”

[{"selector":"#anim-792ca6ed-d4d0-4805-a63c-35c8bb032674 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-28.90624987200394%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] O'Neal forecasts a Reese-Clark 2024 Rookie of the Year race. Clark is expected to win a landslide after beating the Sky in three of four games and claiming a playoff position two weeks ago.

[{"selector":"#anim-485da71f-3200-4611-9830-cdd7b394964d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-34.249999904429615%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Another reason: Reese confirmed over the weekend that she would miss the season due to a wrist injury requiring surgery. When she announced, Reese, the No. 7 choice in the 2024 draft, led the league in rebounding (13.1 per game).

[{"selector":"#anim-addd892c-b189-4270-9556-2d35c41e701b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-56.87499988622573%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] Since their success has brought record attendance, ratings, and public attention to the league, O'Neal suggested it's time for another shift.

[{"selector":"#anim-d33edc49-4284-443d-a9bc-d5477db086ff [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate3d(-31.249999886225726%, 0, 0) translate(-25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate3d(0%, 0, 0) translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"fill":"forwards"}] who has had double-digit sacks in each of the last four seasons, coming to practice, but Reddick has the final say.