The Ongoing Feud Between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal

The ongoing beef between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal reached a new level on Thursday. Shaq, a four-time NBA champion, took another shot at the Minnesota Timberwolves center during an appearance on Complex’s “GOAT Talk” podcast with his son Myles O’Neal. When Myles asked his father who the worst NBA player of all time was, Shaq didn’t hesitate to name Gobert, calling him out as the worst. He even went on to criticize Ben Simmons, referring to him as “also a bum.”

In response to Shaq’s harsh comments, Gobert took to social media to fire back at the NBA legend. This is not the first time Shaq has thrown shade at Gobert, especially after the center signed a lucrative contract worth $205 million in December 2020. Shaq has consistently belittled Gobert’s skills and impact on the game, claiming that he could easily match Gobert’s stat line of twelve points and eight rebounds.

Throughout his career, Gobert has faced criticism from various NBA players, including Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala. Despite the backlash and constant ridicule, Gobert has managed to maintain his composure and focus on his game. In a 2024 interview with ESPN, Gobert admitted that he has come to terms with being labeled as the most ridiculed player in the NBA.

One of the main points of contention between Shaq and Gobert seems to be the issue of money. Shaq criticized Gobert for signing a massive contract worth $205 million, questioning whether he truly deserved such a hefty pay package. Shaq argued that players like Gobert, who earn millions but fail to deliver on the court, are detrimental to the integrity of the game and do not deserve the respect of their peers.

The feud between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal highlights the ongoing tension between current and former NBA players. While Shaq’s comments may come across as harsh and disrespectful, they also shed light on the larger debate surrounding player salaries, performance, and respect in the league. As Gobert continues to face criticism from his peers, he remains focused on his game and his contributions to the sport, proving that actions speak louder than words in the world of professional basketball.