Shaquille O’Neal recently caused a stir by suggesting to lower the WNBA rims in order to increase dunks and attract more viewers. However, Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson has expressed some reservations about this proposal.
The NBA legend took to Instagram to emphasize his belief that implementing this change would make the league more thrilling. He stated, “The WNBA has none of that. So they make much less money. Just trying to get you that $300 million you deserve, @aja22wilson.”
During an interview on The Roommates Show, Wilson dismissed O’Neal’s idea. She raised concerns about the potential impact on players’ shooting mechanics and questioned, “What is it gonna do?” Wilson also expressed a preference for focusing on improving players’ vertical jumps rather than adjusting the rim height. She highlighted the potential negative consequences of altering shooting techniques for all players.
While O’Neal’s suggestion has sparked debate, it’s essential to acknowledge that the WNBA’s growth is driven by more than just dunks. The league’s popularity has increased due to the skill, athleticism, and competitiveness of its players. Players like Caitlin Clark have captured the attention of fans, demonstrating that compelling basketball does not solely rely on highlight-reel dunks.
Angel Reese also rejected the concept
This is not the first time O’Neal has proposed such a change. In 2021, he suggested a similar idea on Inside the NBA, stating that lowering the rims could broaden the audience and lead to higher earnings for players. He reiterated this viewpoint while speaking on Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetic Angel.
American former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal reacts before a game against the Mississippi Rebels (Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Reese, who is capable of dunking, strongly disagreed with O’Neal’s proposal. She expressed her frustration, stating, “I hate when men say that,” while shaking her head. The Chicago Sky star argued that an increase in dunks might not necessarily lead to higher salaries for WNBA players. She added, “People always disrespect women regardless. They will never give us the same value as a man.”
