From Charles Barkley to Shaquille O’Neal, NBA greats are putting their stamp of approval on Caitlin Clark — and their bold endorsements are shaking up more than just the WNBA.
In a moment rarely seen in professional sports, some of the biggest names in NBA history are going out of their way to praise a rookie — not in their own league, but in the WNBA. And not just any rookie, but Caitlin Clark — the 22-year-old sharpshooting phenom from Iowa who has already turned the women’s game on its head.
Their comments, broadcast on national television and repeated across social media, have been nothing short of stunning — not just for their depth of admiration, but for what they signal: that Caitlin Clark isn’t just the future of the WNBA — she may be the most important figure in basketball today, male or female.
And for some, those statements are sending a very loud, very clear message to the WNBA’s old guard: It’s time to make room for a real star.
Charles Barkley: “She’s the Best Thing to Happen to the WNBA. Period.”
Never one to bite his tongue, NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley went on a passionate monologue on Inside the NBA, slamming Clark’s critics and calling out what he viewed as jealousy within the league.
“This girl’s selling out arenas, boosting ratings, getting people to care about the WNBA — and you got folks mad at her?” Barkley said. “Give me a break. She’s the best thing to happen to that league. Period.”
Barkley’s comments lit up the internet — and they weren’t an isolated opinion.
Shaquille O’Neal: “She’s Already One of the Greatest Shooters I’ve Seen”
Shaquille O’Neal, another NBA legend with deep respect in both men’s and women’s basketball circles, praised Clark’s basketball IQ and long-range shooting as “historic.”
“You can’t teach that kind of vision,” Shaq said on his podcast The Big Podcast with Shaq. “She’s got Steph Curry range, court awareness like Chris Paul, and she makes the players around her better. That’s what makes a real star — not just points, but presence.”
Shaq also pushed back at the criticism Clark has faced from some WNBA players, saying the league “should be lifting her up, not trying to drag her down.”
Paul Pierce, Jason Williams, and More: NBA Stars Line Up to Praise Clark
Other former NBA players echoed the sentiment, from Paul Pierce calling her “the most impactful rookie since LeBron” to Jason Williams saying, “She plays the game the right way — fast, smart, fearless.”
Even Reggie Miller, who once held the NBA’s all-time three-point record, tipped his hat to Clark. “I watch her and think, man, if she was in the NBA, she’d still be knocking those shots down. She’s got that dog in her.”
It’s not just empty praise — these are players who know what it takes to dominate the game at the highest level, and their words carry weight.
A Divided WNBA? NBA Legends Call for Unity
The timing of these statements comes during a wave of tension in the WNBA, where some players have made headlines for their chilly reception of Clark. From aggressive on-court play to subtle digs in interviews, it’s clear that not everyone in the league has welcomed her with open arms.
But NBA veterans are urging unity.
“You can’t grow the league by tearing down the biggest draw it’s ever had,” Barkley added. “This girl’s bringing eyes, dollars, and attention to your game. You should be thanking her every day.”
Former NBA coach Stan Van Gundy also chimed in, tweeting: “Players who elevate the entire league are rare. Caitlin Clark is doing that. Appreciate it.”
In true Clark fashion, the 6’0” guard hasn’t taken the bait when asked about the praise — or the hate.
“I’m just trying to be myself, compete hard, and win games,” Clark said in a recent postgame interview. “It’s an honor to hear those things from people I grew up watching, but I still have so much to prove.”
Her humility has only added to her appeal. Fans across the country have flocked to games, often wearing Clark’s jersey and holding signs with phrases like “I Drove 500 Miles to See Caitlin.” She’s become not just a basketball star, but a cultural icon.
The NBA legends aren’t just applauding her game — they’re recognizing her impact.
Since Clark entered the league, WNBA viewership has surged to its highest level in over a decade. ESPN reported a 370% increase in preseason game ratings, with Clark’s debut drawing more viewers than several NBA games that same week.
Merchandise is flying off the shelves. Season ticket sales are soaring. And social media engagement around the WNBA has reached record highs — almost entirely driven by Clark’s presence.
For veterans like Barkley and Shaq, that’s not just talent. That’s transformation.
The Message Is Clear: Caitlin Clark Is Changing the Game
From hardwood legends to everyday fans, the message is becoming impossible to ignore: Caitlin Clark is not just another WNBA rookie. She’s a revolution in motion.
And if the league — and her fellow players — embrace that, the sky is the limit.
“If they play this right,” said Paul Pierce, “the WNBA could finally become what it’s always wanted to be — big, mainstream, respected. But it starts with respect. And Caitlin Clark deserves every ounce of it.”
The endorsements from NBA legends don’t come lightly — and they rarely come unanimously. Yet in Clark’s case, the praise has been swift, sincere, and seismic.
The question now is whether the WNBA will embrace its rising star or risk pushing her — and her massive fanbase — away.
Because when Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and the rest of the NBA royalty speak this loudly, one thing is certain: they see something real. And they want the world to see it too.
