In an unexpected twist on Angel Reese’s podcast, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal delivered a major dose of reality, leaving Reese to reflect on just how hard it is to be a superstar in the shadow of Caitlyn Clark. Shaq, known for his no-holds-barred style, didn’t mince words when discussing what makes Caitlyn Clark so special—and it wasn’t just her ability to shoot threes from near the logo.

Right from the start, Reese, thinking she’d be talking about her own incredible career, was taken by surprise. Instead of lavishing praise on Reese, Shaq began hyping up Clark, detailing her skills, her extraordinary range, and her vision on the court. He wasn’t shy in acknowledging that Clark is something the world has never seen before—someone who can completely control a game like a chess master, even drawing comparisons to basketball icons like Steph Curry.

When Shaq asked Reese what made people love Caitlyn Clark, it was her three-point shooting, according to Reese—specifically, her ability to shoot from the logo. But Shaq wasn’t having any of it. He quickly corrected her, saying that while her shooting was incredible, it wasn’t the only thing that made Clark a phenomenon. He reminded Angel that Caitlyn Clark wasn’t just about shooting; her passing, vision, and overall command of the game were what made her one of a kind.

Reese was left visibly stunned, her face reflecting the emotional blow. After all, she had invited Shaq onto her podcast thinking she’d get a few compliments, not an assessment that placed her rival above her in every way. For Shaq, it wasn’t just a matter of praising Clark’s physical skills—it was about the impact she was having on the game of basketball. He even compared her to Steph Curry, noting how both players had revolutionized the sport by doing things that no one had seen before.

“You can’t ignore her,” Shaq said, driving the point home that Clark was rewriting the rules of women’s basketball. He even admitted to being a doubter at first, but as Clark kept hitting shots that no one expected, Shaq realized she was the real deal. In his eyes, she wasn’t just a player—she was a once-in-a-generation talent.

This moment was particularly painful for Reese, as Shaq is not just an NBA legend but also a mentor to her. Yet here he was, heaping praise on her biggest competitor right in front of her. The reaction from fans was swift, with many calling Shaq’s words a validation of what analysts and basketball fans alike have been saying: Caitlyn Clark is the new face of women’s basketball.

Shaq even took things further by stating that Caitlyn Clark was now on the level of a Steph Curry, not just because of her physical skills but because she was breaking barriers that had never been broken before. The comparisons were clear: both players have the kind of influence on the game that can transform entire franchises and industries.

Despite this, Shaq’s words weren’t just about praising Clark; they were a reality check for Reese. In contrast to Clark’s legendary status, Angel Reese has been criticized for not working on the weaknesses in her game. While Clark is out there improving, Reese has been spotted focusing more on her fashion and public appearances than her skills on the court. It’s clear that Shaq believes there’s a significant gap between the two players when it comes to work ethic and potential.

As the podcast came to a close, fans couldn’t help but notice how Shaq had basically declared Caitlyn Clark the true star of women’s basketball. Shaq didn’t mince words: he praised her for her dedication and how she was changing the game forever. Meanwhile, Reese sat there, processing the truth that in the eyes of one of basketball’s greatest, her rival had already surpassed her.

Shaquille O’Neal’s bold statements about Caitlyn Clark weren’t just about praising her skills—they were a statement about the future of women’s basketball. In his mind, Caitlyn Clark isn’t just a player; she’s a force that’s here to stay, and Angel Reese, despite her talent, has some work to do if she wants to catch up.