Shaquille O’Neal has shown strong support for Angel Reese, who recently won a major WNBA award. Reese, a standout player for the Chicago Sky, has had an impressive season despite her team’s struggles, earning a spot in the All-Star Game for the second time.
Through 21 games in the 2025 season, Reese is averaging 14.0 points, 12.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks. Notably, her playmaking has improved significantly, jumping from just 1.9 assists per game during her rookie season. After teammate Courtney Vandersloot suffered a season-ending ACL injury, Reese stepped up as the team’s point forward. In June, she recorded her first career triple-double with 11 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists in a game against the Connecticut Sun.
Shaq expressed his endorsement of Reese by sharing a ClutchPoints post highlighting her bid for WNBA Defensive Player of the Year. The post praised Reese’s exceptional rebounding, averaging 12.8 per game, and her overall defensive impact with 2.1 combined steals and blocks per game. Although Reese leads the league in defensive rebounds per game, her overall ranking is 17th. The Chicago Sky’s poor defensive rating, ranking 12th in the league, has hindered her chances of winning the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Originally reported by Athlon Sports on July 16, 2025, this story showcases Reese’s rising influence in the WNBA.
Fan Take: Angel Reese’s growth into a versatile and defensive powerhouse is a beacon of hope for Chicago Sky fans and a major boost for the league’s competitive spirit. Her development signals a bright future for the WNBA, inspiring young players and increasing the league’s visibility and excitement.
