Shaquille O’Neal has renewed his criticism of Rudy Gobert, intensifying their ongoing dispute with a bold statement regarding Gobert’s Hall of Fame chances. The former LA Lakers star declared on a recent podcast that if Gobert, the Utah Jazz center, gains Hall of Fame induction, he will wear a dress to the ceremony, questioning Gobert’s worthiness despite his impressive contract and accolades.
O’Neal’s remarks come after years of skepticism about Gobert’s value, dating back to 2022 when he opposed the $205 million max contract Gobert signed. On The Big Podcast with Shaq, O’Neal openly expressed his disdain for Gobert’s earnings, claiming:
“ I f**king hate Rudy Gobert because that motherf**ker making $250 [million]. He don’t deserve it, dawg. … If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame, I’ll wear this dress to the motherf**king ceremony.” —Shaquille O’Neal
He questioned the defensive star’s performance as a big man, insisting that Gobert, who currently plays for the Minnesota Timberwolves, should prevent guards from dunking on him given his salary and reputation.
O’Neal Dismisses Gobert’s Career Achievements Despite Accolades
Gobert’s resume includes four Defensive Player of the Year awards, three All-Star selections, four All-NBA honors, and eight All-NBA Defensive team recognitions, highlighting his defensive dominance. Despite these accolades, O’Neal remained unconvinced, insisting that these achievements do not justify Hall of Fame recognition.
He further emphasized his confidence by stating he would request the Hall of Fame to remove his own name and tear down his jersey if Gobert ever earned induction, underscoring his firm opposition to Gobert’s legacy.
Co-host Adam Lefkoe, however, suggested Gobert’s record was sufficient for the Hall of Fame, a viewpoint O’Neal rejected with intensity.
Public Reaction Fuels Anticipation for Future Responses
The heated comment from O’Neal quickly went viral on social media platforms like Instagram and X, drawing widespread attention from millions of fans. While Gobert tends to steer clear of public disputes, O’Neal’s history of outspoken commentary ensured strong reactions from the basketball community.
The ongoing Shaquille O’Neal Rudy Gobert feud escalated further with this latest outburst, provoking speculative discussions and eager anticipation for any reaction from Gobert himself. Fans expressed a mix of amusement and support for O’Neal’s bold challenge, signaling that the conversation surrounding Gobert’s place in basketball history remains far from over.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Rudy Gobert shoot 3?
A. Rudy Gobert and Julia Bonilla are no longer together. In May 2025, Gobert announced on his Instagram Stories they have split up. This news comes while Bonilla is pregnant with their second child.