The physical battering that WNBA star Caitlin Clark endures on a nightly basis has been the subject of much discussion, with luminaries including UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma and even President Donald Trump weighing in.
One person who has been in Clark’s shoes, so to speak, is Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who endured more than his share of punishment under the basket during 19 seasons in the NBA.
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In an interview with CNBC Sport, O’Neal said Clark is facing something “all the greats went through” as they made their mark in the pros.
O’Neal said he − along with other legendary players such as Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James − faced similar treatment, and that “once she passes through that, the league will belong to her.”
Clark has expressed frustration with no-calls by referees, most notably when Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas’ fist landed on Clark’s throat during a June 24 game. Thomas was later suspended a game after a video review by the league.
“All the greats have to go through what we call ‘rites of passage,'” O’Neal said during the interview published Thursday, Aug. 6. “She’s a fabulous player, but we’re not giving you anything, ever. You have to earn it.
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“So for her, she needs to toughen up, take those licks and show them that, ‘These licks don’t bother me.'”
O’Neal said Clark will constantly have to prove herself on the court in the face of what he called “professional jealousy.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) receives a pass from center-forward Aliyah Boston (7) with Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride (21) defending in the fourth quarter at Target Center on Aug. 2, 2026.
Clark just became the fastest WNBA player to hit 1,000 points, 250 rebounds and 250 assists in a career, doing it in 54 games to break Diana Taurasi’s mark of 62.
She was also just named to the U.S. squad that will compete in the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup later this month in Berlin, Germany.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Shaq says Caitlin Clark going through ‘rites of passage’ like all basketball greats
