Anthony Gharib, ESPN
The ongoing conflict between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal added a new chapter on Thursday.
The four-time NBA champion has repeatedly criticized the Minnesota Timberwolves center over the years. His latest criticism came during his appearance on Complex’s “GOAT Talk” podcast with his son Myles O’Neal.
Myles asked his dad who the worst NBA player of all time was. Shaq answered Gobert, prompting Myles to ask, “What about Ben Simmons?” who Shaq then called a “bum too.”
Myles laughed and apologized to Simmons and Gobert before Shaq offered an explanation.
“If you sign a $250 million contract, show me you got $250,” Shaq said. “There’s a reason why I walk funny and why I can’t turn my neck and why I can’t do it because I played for my $120 million. So you got guys like that that fuck up the system and they make all this money and they can’t play. So I don’t respect guys like that.”
The comments caught the attention of Gobert, who responded on X.
It’s sad to see someone who has accomplished as much as you @SHAQ whether it’s sports or business, another man’s finances and accomplishments can always be the deciding factor. I understand the entertainment aspect, but unlike some people, you don’t need that kind of stuff to stay relevant. https://t.co/KPHs2VmfIb
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) September 5, 2024
O’Neal has been a frequent critic of Gobert since the four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner signed a five-year, $205 million contract in December 2020. O’Neal said on a March episode of his podcast that if he were 42, he would be making “Rudy Gobert money.”
“Twelve points and eight rebounds? I could do that right now,” O’Neal said.
He also downplayed Gobert’s defensive impact in the same episode.
Shaq Thinks Bam Adebayo Should Win DPOY Over Rudy Gobert… Do You Agree? 👀
EP 12 OUT NOW | https://t.co/en2LcbqflC pic.twitter.com/BLS6eYAXKy
— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) March 14, 2024
In April 2024, Gobert told ESPN’s Tim MacMahon that he had embraced being the most ridiculed player in the NBA. The center has been criticized by various members of the league, including Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala.
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