The Big Man of the league Shaquille O’Neal had some big responsibilities. When he entered the NBA, the 4x champ was entrusted with a significant responsibility. Despite being a rookie, the champ was tasked with the key role of leading his former team Orlando Magic. Another rising star praised by the Lakers legend, Angel Reese, has also been tasked with the same responsibilities and role. 

In the 2024 WNBA draft, the 22-year-old was selected as the 7th pick by Dwyane Wade‘s owned team Chicago Sky. Upon her arrival as a rookie, coach Teresa Weatherspoon handed the role of leader to Bayou Barbie. During a conversation, the coach was asked about Reese’s impressive progress and growth.

Speaking of the 2023 NCAA champion’s transition, Weatherspoon said, “She (Reese) wants to grow and that’s that’s the biggest part of it is wanting it she desires it she’s a leader and I’ll say this over and over and over they’ve come from Championship programs and they’re coached very very well and so that transition is all confidence and they’re very confident in who they are what they bring to an organization.”

Another player who got selected by the team as the 3rd pick is Kamila Cardoso. While both Cardoso and Reese have played against each other in the past and were rivals, the coach wants to ease the tension between the two. Even the Miami Heat legend Wade himself stated how Weatherspoon wanted Reese to be a part of the team and this is certainly a big “win.“

The situations are very similar to how they were during O’Neal’s rookie year in the NBA.

Shaquille O’Neal had to take a leadership role as a rookie

Be it in his business or during his playing days in the NBA, O’Neal has always played his part. Throughout his career, he also had to take up the role of locker room leader to guide the team. While naming a few exceptions such as the Cleveland Cavaliers and more, the Lakers legend spoke about the leadership responsibilities that he had to take up even as a rookie player.

During a conversation in The Big Podcast, O’Neal shared how one of his former teammates Scott Skiles asked him to become the leader of Orlando Magic and guide the team. “When I come in there’s only one chief period I remember when I first got to Orlando manager Scott Skiles was like oh man you need to lift these bags I was like you got f****d me up.” He added.

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He successfully fulfilled his role as a leader and led the team to the NBA Finals in 1995. The Champ may not have mentioned it but his comment suggests that he was a leader for the Los Angeles Lakers too. Furthermore, O’Neal also praised LeBron James in his conversation. He recalled how the champ had impressive skills and power as a leader. Do you think Reese can fulfill the demands of being a leader like O’Neal and James? Let us know in the comments section below.