A’ja Wilson silences critics and leaves fans speechless as she names reasons new WNBA proposal won’t work
Shaq recently shared a proposal to help the WNBA
Shaquille O’Neal has reignited the debate over how to boost interest in the WNBA, but his latest suggestion is stirring strong reactions from players, including 2024 MVP A’ja Wilson.
The Hall of Fame center proposed on Instagram that the WNBA should consider lowering the rim from its current 10-foot height-a standard shared with the NBA. His rationale? A shorter rim might increase dunking, a spectacle he believes could attract more viewers and lead to greater financial rewards for players.
“60% of the fans said dunking is their favorite thing,” Shaq argued on social media. “The WNBA has none of that. Just trying to get you that 300 million dollars you deserve @aja22wilson. Love y’all @wnba.” He even floated the idea of testing the concept at the WNBA All-Star Game, predicting that it would boost TV ratings.
O’Neal’s idea isn’t entirely without precedent. Sports like volleyball, track and field, and even basketball already feature adjusted rules and equipment to accommodate physiological differences between male and female athletes. The WNBA, for example, uses a smaller and lighter ball than the NBA.
But not everyone sees this as the right move, especially Wilson, a dominant force in the WNBA. During a recent podcast appearance, the Las Vegas Aces star dismissed the suggestion, raising concerns about how a lowered rim could disrupt the game’s fundamentals.
“What is it gonna do?” Wilson questioned. “I’d rather gear my offseason toward improving my vertical and maxing out my jumping ability. Lowering the rim an inch could change all of our shots. Do y’all not understand that?”
How would this change affect the players?
Her point highlights a critical aspect of basketball: muscle memory. The sport’s precision and skill often hinge on years of repetition and practice. Adjusting the rim height, Wilson argues, could throw off players’ shooting mechanics, potentially doing more harm than good.
Moreover, the league’s growing popularity seems to challenge Shaq’s theory. Players like Caitlin Clark have captivated audiences with their exceptional skills-not their ability to dunk. Fans have embraced the WNBA for its focus on teamwork, strategy, and shooting excellence, raising questions about whether high-flying dunks are truly necessary for the league’s growth.
As the conversation continues, Shaq’s suggestion underscores a broader question: Should the WNBA evolve its rules for entertainment value, or stay true to the game as it stands? For now, Wilson and her peers seem intent on maintaining the sport’s integrity over spectacle.
