Alright, hoop heads, buckle up! We’ve got some spicy drama brewing between two NBA titans.
Gobert vs. Shaq: The Twitter Takedown
So, Rudy Gobert, the guy with three Defensive Player of the Year awards under his belt, is still flying under the radar for some folks. But when Shaq called him the “worst player of all time,” Rudy had enough. He took to social media and didn’t hold back.
โIt is sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did @SHAQ both in sport and business still be triggered by another manโs finances and accomplishments,โ Gobert tweeted. He added, โI get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you donโt need that stuff to stay relevant.โ
Now, while some say Rudy was “firing back,” I think he was more about setting the record straight without going full scorched earth. Check out the tweet:
Rudy Gobert goes OFF on Shaq for calling him the worst player of all time
โ Hoops (@HoopMixOnly)
Shaq’s Podcast Bombshell
So how did this whole mess start? Shaq was on a podcast with his son, Myles, for Complex’s GOAT Talk. When asked, โWho is the worst NBA player of all time?โ Shaq didn’t even blink before saying, โRudy Gobert.โ And just to twist the knife, he threw Ben Simmons under the bus too, calling him “another bum.”
Shaq’s beef? He thinks players like Gobert and Simmons don’t deserve those fat contracts. โIf you sign a contract for $250 million, show me that youโre worth $250 million,โ Shaq said. โThereโs a reason why I walk funny, why I canโt turn my neck โ itโs because I played hard for my $120 million. Guys like him screw over the system, make all this money, and then canโt play. So, I donโt respect players like that.โ
In my opinion, Shaq’s got a point about earning your keep, but calling Rudy the worst? That’s a stretch, big fella.
Money Talks, Defense Wins Games
Gobert’s contract with the Timberwolves is a whopping $205 million over five years, all guaranteed. Signed back in December 2020 when he was still with the Jazz, this deal came after he snagged three Defensive Player of the Year awards. And guess what? He bagged another one last season, averaging 2.1 blocks and 9.2 defensive boards per game.
But Shaq’s not buying it. He says, โEvery time I make these comments, people think Iโm hating, but these are facts. Youโve got teachers, firemen, and doctors who have real jobs and donโt get paid much.โ Fair point, but isn’t comparing apples to oranges here?
Shaq’s Legacy and Perspective
Shaq’s opinion carries weightโliterally and figuratively. Dominating the court for 20 years across six teams, he’s faced legends like LeBron and MJ. So yeah, he knows a thing or two about what it takes to be great. But does that give him the right to slam Rudy so hard?
So, what do you think? Is Shaq right about Gobert, or is he just stirring the pot for clicks? And more importantly, who do you think is the most overrated player in the NBA today? Drop your thoughts below!
