Rudy Gobert Responds to Shaquille O'Neal's Harsh Criticism: "It's Sad"
The criticism aimed at Rudy Gobert has reached new heights, and this time it's coming from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal. Known for his outspoken views on the modern NBA, Shaq has frequently expressed discontent with how the game has evolved, especially regarding current big men. His latest target? Rudy Gobert, a player he’s consistently taken shots at over the years.
During a recent Q&A session hosted by Complex, Shaq was asked who he thought was the "worst NBA player of all time." Without skipping a beat, Shaq responded, “Rudy Gobert.” He didn't stop there, using the opportunity to criticize Gobert's $250 million contract.
“If you're making $250 million, show me $250 million,” Shaq remarked. “I played for around $120 million, and that's why I can’t move the way I used to. You’ve got guys like him who are making all this money but aren’t delivering. I just don’t respect that.”
Gobert didn’t take long to fire back, questioning why Shaq seems so focused on his earnings. Gobert took to social media, saying:
“It is sad to see someone who has accomplished as much as you did, @SHAQ, in both sports and business, still be so triggered by another man’s finances and achievements. I understand the entertainment side of things, but unlike others, you don’t need to resort to that to stay relevant.”
Despite the ongoing criticism, Gobert remains one of the top defensive players in the NBA. Minnesota boasted the best defense in the league last season, a testament to Gobert’s impact on the court. His ability to protect the rim, paired with surprising mobility on the perimeter, makes him one of the best defenders of his generation—something his detractors often overlook.
While some fans and players, like Luka Doncic, have taken their shots at Gobert, the numbers don’t lie. He had the best on-off differential (+5) of any player on the Timberwolves last season, and his defensive presence was a key reason for Minnesota's success. Though Gobert isn't known for his offensive prowess, averaging 12.7 points per game on 65.5% shooting, he grabs an impressive 11.8 rebounds per game and anchors one of the best defenses in the NBA.
Gobert’s playoff struggles, often cited by critics, are also exaggerated. While teams playing a "five-out" offense can sometimes pull him out of his comfort zone in the paint, it's often more of a team defensive issue than a Gobert-specific problem. His time in Utah saw him put in tough positions, but the Clippers' ability to expose those weaknesses was due to weak perimeter defense and slow rotations, not Gobert alone.
Shaq, like everyone else, is entitled to his opinion, but labeling Gobert as the "worst player ever" seems more like a headline-grabbing statement than an honest assessment. For someone with Shaq's legacy, it’s disappointing to see such a shallow critique.
Ultimately, Gobert continues to thrive despite the noise, proving his value on the court where it matters most.
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