Shaquille O’Neal Drops the Mic Defending Angel Reese: A Rookie’s Rise, the Critics, and the Truth Behind the Hate

In today’s sports world, greatness is no longer judged solely by stats. It’s shaped by social media debates, polarizing narratives, and how well athletes navigate expectations that often defy logic. No one knows this better right now than Angel Reese—a WNBA rookie, college phenom, and cultural icon. And standing firmly in her corner is none other than NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who just delivered one of the most powerful public defenses of her yet.

Shaq didn’t mince words. He went full-on big brother mode, dismissing critics and calling out the misconceptions that have dogged Reese since the moment she stepped onto a professional court. In an appearance on Angel’s podcast, Shaq acknowledged the hate she’s been facing, labeling it not only misguided but deeply unfair. His message was clear: Angel Reese is built for greatness, and people need to stop judging her before her journey’s even begun.

A Legacy Begins Under the Brightest Lights

Angel Reese didn’t just enter the WNBA—she exploded into it. With 1.7 million more followers than fellow rookie Caitlin Clark, Reese arrived with a massive spotlight and an even larger target on her back. She’s not just an athlete; she’s a symbol. Of confidence. Of style. Of unapologetic Black femininity in a league often caught between recognition and ridicule.

And that spotlight can burn. Every missed jumper becomes a meme. Every turnover is dissected like a Zapruder film. In a league with a short fuse for development, she’s expected to perform like a veteran while being treated like a rookie punching bag. Fans forget that even NBA stars struggle in their second seasons. Why should Reese be any different?

Shaq’s Defense: Truth Bombs in Size 22 Sneakers

Shaquille O’Neal didn’t just defend Angel Reese—he went full-court press on her critics. Comparing her to himself and Allen Iverson, he reminded everyone that greatness comes with noise. And knowing you’re great is the first step to becoming it.

“She’s as good or even better than some of the people y’all are kissing up to,” Shaq said. “But y’all don’t know it. She knows it. And in order to be great, you have to know you’re great.”

Shaq’s words weren’t empty flattery. They were a reminder of the deeper forces at play—how perception and prejudice often hijack the conversation before stats even hit the scoreboard. Reese’s critics weren’t just questioning her game; they were undermining her character, her effort, and sometimes her very presence.

Stats Don’t Lie—But They Don’t Tell the Whole Truth Either

Let’s get real about the numbers. Angel Reese is currently averaging a double-double—10.0 points and a league-leading 12.3 rebounds per game. That’s not just good; that’s elite. Yet she’s also shooting a mere 31.1% from the field, and that number has fueled much of the backlash.

Is she struggling offensively? Yes. Is it the end of the world? Not even close.

Fans love to fixate on shooting percentages, forgetting that greatness is often about what you do when things aren’t going your way. Reese is still grabbing boards like they owe her money. She’s diving for loose balls, playing tough defense, and fighting through a wrist injury that’s affected her rhythm. That’s heart. That’s hustle. That’s what real fans—and real teammates—respect.

The Caitlin Clark Effect: Fuel for the Fire

A big part of the scrutiny comes from the unspoken rivalry between Reese and Caitlin Clark. Clark, hailed as the Steph Curry of women’s basketball, has captivated audiences with logo threes and highlight reels. Reese, in contrast, plays a bruising inside game built on physicality and presence.

The media has amplified this contrast into a false binary: Clark as the heroine, Reese as the heel. But this narrative is as reductive as it is damaging. The truth is, they’re both vital to the growth of women’s basketball. Pitting them against each other only serves to divide fans and skew the conversation toward drama over development.

RG3 (Robert Griffin III) even went so far as to say Angel Reese “hates” Caitlin Clark after a hard foul during a game. His statement, based on a single play, reveals how quick some are to turn sports moments into morality plays. In reality, competitive fire doesn’t equal hatred. It equals passion. And in Reese’s case, it’s often misread through biased lenses.

The Racism Elephant in the Room

Reese hasn’t shied away from calling out racism in the criticism she receives. And neither has Shaq. While some claim this is just about basketball, it’s clear that there’s a double standard at work. Clark’s aggression is framed as competitiveness. Reese’s? As attitude. Clark’s struggles are growing pains. Reese’s are a crisis.

Even worse, Reese has received death threats, been followed home, and been the target of AI-generated abuse. That’s not basketball criticism—it’s harassment. And it’s rooted in something much uglier than missed layups.

Shaq Sees the Long Game

Shaquille O’Neal knows what a slow start looks like. He lived it. He couldn’t hit free throws to save his life but still ended up a four-time NBA champion. He knows that greatness is built on persistence, not perfection. That’s why his message to Angel Reese is simple: block out the noise, trust your grind, and keep grabbing rebounds like your career depends on it.

And she’s listening. Even as critics obsess over her shooting slump, Reese continues to make a difference on the court. She’s not just surviving—she’s making her mark.

The Verdict: Angel Reese is Just Getting Started

Angel Reese doesn’t need to be perfect. She needs to be patient. The same way Shaq grew into his potential, Reese is finding her place in a league that was never going to make it easy for her. But with every rebound, every screen, every gritty minute played, she’s proving that she belongs.

Critics may want a finished product now, but basketball isn’t microwaveable. And if Shaq’s faith is any indication, Reese is cooking up something real—something that will last.

So let’s stop the premature eulogies and the armchair takes. Angel Reese is not a cautionary tale—she’s a rising one. And when her offense finds its rhythm, the receipts will be hotter than a courtside nacho.

Shaq believes. Real fans believe. It’s time the rest of the world caught up.