NBA hall-of-famer Shaquille O’Neal recently reignited a longtime sports debate by suggesting that the WNBA should lower the rims in an effort to increase fan interest. He recently took to Instagram with the idea.
“60% of the fans said dunking is their favorite thing. The WNBA has none of that,” O’Neal wrote. “So they make much less money. Just trying to get you that $300 million you deserve, @aja22wilson.”
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The idea is far from new and in fact, O’Neal himself suggested the idea back in 2021 and was met with mixed reactions. This time, reigning WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson disagreed with Shaq’s take.
During a recent appearance on The Roommates Show, Wilson dismissed the proposal.
“What is it gonna do?” Wilson asked. “I would much rather just gear my offseason to, ‘Okay, vertical, maxing it out, let’s focus on this jumping,’ versus lowering it an inch. That could change all of our shots. Do y’all not understand that?”
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Wilson makes a good point that often goes forgotten in this debate, the idea that changing the rim heights would undo years of practice and muscle memory that went into a jumpshot meant for a ten foot rim. A lower rim would instantly have a negative impact on players’ shooting abilities.
It’s unlikely that the WNBA ever gives this idea the green light, but it’s certainly an interesting idea to think about.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
