Shaquille O'Neal Advises Kelsey Mitchell to Capitalize on Caitlin Clark's Spotlight

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal has advised Indiana Fever player Kelsey Mitchell to leverage the significant attention drawn by her teammate Caitlin Clark, suggesting it presents an opportunity for increased income.

During the Fever's end-of-season press conference, Mitchell commented on the scrutiny she and her teammates face due to Clark's high profile. O'Neal, drawing from his own experiences playing alongside superstars like Kobe Bryant and navigating different market dynamics, recommended that Mitchell capitalize on the visibility.

"My advice is to take advantage of all the eyes that are. If the eyes are on one person and you're next to that person, take advantage of them," O'Neal told OutKick in a recent interview. He reflected on his career, which spanned stints in both small and large markets, emphasizing the importance of strategic positioning.

Mitchell, who is set to become a free agent in late January, has been a four-time All-Star and averaged a career-high 24.7 points per game this season. While acknowledging the organization, her remarks have fueled speculation about her future with the Fever, the franchise she has played with for her entire nine-year career.

O'Neal, describing Mitchell as a "beautiful young lady and a fabulous young lady," offered guidance without delving into specifics of her personal situation to maintain athlete solidarity. "I wish her well, but my advice if you're playing next to somebody that has eyes that can bring you extra income, make sure you always stay next to that person," he stated.

Beyond immediate career advice, O'Neal also shared insights on building a lasting athlete's brand, stressing the importance of surrounding oneself with intelligent advisors and remaining true to one's authentic self. He noted that many athletes struggle after their playing careers due to a lack of preparation.

"Fifty-two percent of all professional athletes went down and playing have nothing, so we maximized my potential. You know, learned a lot, did a lot, dreamed a lot, created a lot," O'Neal said, referencing his own career management. He highlighted the role of his brand manager, Leonard Armato, in his success, emphasizing the need for smart business decisions and the ability for athletes to act as their own media companies in the current landscape.

O'Neal also cautioned against adopting an image that does not align with one's true personality, sharing an anecdote where he rejected an image consultant's proposal. "Image is reality. So you definitely have to stay true to yourself. A lot of people who form characters that they can't live up to," he explained. "So, me for example, I am who I am. You know, my image is all about fun. I would love to be known as the ambassador of fun."

Armato, who is releasing a book titled "MAXIMIZE" about building and managing an athlete's brand, with a foreword by O'Neal, identified surrounding oneself with the wrong people as a common pitfall for athletes. O'Neal added that learning from mistakes and adhering to core values are crucial for creating a brand that endures beyond a playing career.