Shaquille O’Neal openly criticized Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, questioning his $250 million contract and Hall of Fame prospects. O’Neal made these comments recently on The Big Podcast With Shaq, continuing his history of outspoken opinions about NBA players.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Harsh Critique of Rudy Gobert
Shaq did not hold back his dislike for Gobert, stating plainly,
“Cause the (guy) made $250 (million), he don’t deserve that.”
His feelings about Gobert have been negative for some time and reflect a broader skepticism among players towards Gobert’s style and impact on the game. O’Neal’s criticism goes beyond just money, hinting at dissatisfaction with how Gobert plays relative to his earnings.
In a bold statement, O’Neal even challenged Gobert’s potential induction into the Hall of Fame, saying,
“If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame, I’ll wear this dress to the ceremony.”
This remark underscored O’Neal’s disagreement with the general expectation that Gobert is a clear Hall of Famer due to his defensive accolades.
As president of what he calls the “big man alliance,” O’Neal urged players to live up to their contracts by showing dominance on the court. He emphasized,
“If you’re making big money, play like a big man. Throw some bows, knock some people out, don’t be letting little white dudes from Denver (Christian Braun) dunk on you.”
This pointed remark referenced recent plays that O’Neal viewed as embarrassing for a player of Gobert’s stature and salary.
While Gobert’s defensive impact is widely recognized—earning him the nickname “Stifle Tower” and nearly $300 million in career earnings—O’Neal seems to take issue with the comparison to his own legendary status as “Superman,” whose NBA contracts totaled a slightly lesser amount. Shaq’s critique reflects a protective stance over the reputation of dominant centers past and present.
Shaq Weighs In on the NBA’s Greatest Player Debate
Beyond his sharp criticism of Gobert, Shaquille O’Neal offered his perspective on the ongoing NBA GOAT (Greatest of All Time) conversation. He firmly placed Michael Jordan at the top but expressed surprise that Kobe Bryant often gets overlooked in these discussions.
O’Neal stated,
“It doesn’t matter who you pick. I want to hear the right names. Somehow, it’s just LeBron and Jordan. But my argument is, shouldn’t Kobe be in that conversation?”
He added,
“To me, Mike is the greatest of all time. But I just hear people go from Mike to LeBron, and no Kobe.”
This shows Shaq’s desire for broader recognition of Kobe Bryant’s accomplishments.
In addition, O’Neal took a jab at Wilt Chamberlain, remarking on his legacy by noting, “he only got two (championships).” While some may debate these opinions, Shaq’s track record—with four NBA titles, three Finals MVP awards, 15 All-Star selections, and entry into the Hall of Fame—lends weight to his outspoken views about players and their legacies.
Context Surrounding Rudy Gobert’s Career and Legacy
Rudy Gobert’s four Defensive Player of the Year awards tie him with Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo, both Hall of Famers, placing him among the elite defenders in NBA history. Despite this, Gobert has frequently faced criticism over whether his overall game justifies his enormous salary or Hall of Fame status in the eyes of some analysts and players like Shaq.
Gobert’s career earnings and defensive dominance have made him a notable figure in conversations about the value and contributions of centers in the modern game. The debate over his place among the greats continues, fueled in part by comments from former players and analysts who question how his skills translate beyond shot-blocking and rim protection.
As the NBA evolves and new talents emerge, perspectives like Shaquille O’Neal’s remind fans and players alike that discussions about money, impact, and legacy remain deeply subjective, influenced by individual standards of greatness and achievement in the league’s history.