NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal has strong opinions.
Shaq’s Criticism of Rudy Gobert:
Shaq is known for sharing his thoughts on TNT’s “Inside The NBA” and other platforms. Recently, he criticized Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert on Complex’s podcast. When asked about the worst player in NBA history, Shaq pointed to Gobert, saying that a $250 million contract should come with $250 million worth of performance. (Gobert’s actual contract is $205 million.)
Gobert didn’t stay silent.
Rudy Gobert Responds:
On Thursday, Gobert took to social media site X to reply to Shaq’s comments:
It 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. I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you donโt need that stuff to stay relevant.
โ Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27)
The Debate Over Shaq’s Comments:
Even if Shaq doesn’t like how Gobert plays or questions his value, calling him the worst player ever is extreme. It’s clear hyperbole because Gobert isn’t the worst; he’s been a top performer for over a decade and won four NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards.
Fans think this was too harsh from Shaq.
Gobert is objectively very good at what he does. There’s room for debate about how good he really is, but you don’t last this long or win so many awards by being bad.
There’s a big difference between being overpaid or overrated and being outright bad or the worst in history. These hot takes grab attention and make people laugh but clearly upset Gobert.
Sometimes these comments feel more like entertainment than fair analysis.
