Shaquille O’Neal has openly expressed his disdain for Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves center, continuing a long-standing criticism that has gone beyond professional analysis. During a recent episode of The Big Podcast, O’Neal harshly criticized Gobert’s play and contract, sparking yet another intense moment between the former NBA star and the current big man. This latest outburst underscores O’Neal’s unfiltered approach, despite his role as a highly paid studio analyst.
O’Neal’s Intense Rebuke and Unusual Challenge
In the podcast, O’Neal did not hold back his anger:
“Because that m—-f—– is making $250 million and he doesn’t deserve it, dog. As the President of the Big Man Alliance, you making big money, play like a f—ing big man. That’s it. Play like a f–ing big man. Throw some bows. Knock some people out. Don’t be little white dudes from Denver dunk on you and talk s— to you. Then you got to grab them by the neck at the last second. Come on, bro. If you going to f—ing be get paid big money, play big.”
—Shaquille O’Neal, The Big Podcast
Building on this biting critique, O’Neal made a surprising promise:
If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame I’ll wear this dress to the m——f—-ing ceremony.
This statement adds a provocative layer to their feud, as O’Neal openly doubts Gobert’s Hall of Fame worthiness while simultaneously offering an unusual wager to underline his disbelief.
Ongoing Tensions Highlight Changing Sports Media Landscape
O’Neal’s comments reflect an evolution in sports media where personal attacks and profanity have become more accepted on major platforms, even when analysts cover the players they criticize. Gobert remains a significant figure in the NBA, and such open hostility from a well-known analyst like O’Neal shows how boundaries that once kept commentators more restrained no longer apply.
Despite O’Neal’s harsh words, Gobert’s career achievements suggest he will likely be inducted into the Hall of Fame, whether or not he returns to play at a high level. The question remains how this dynamic will unfold as Inside the NBA prepares to transition to ESPN next season, with O’Neal still at the center of its coverage.
Impact Moving Forward for NBA Media and Player Relations
The ongoing feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Rudy Gobert highlights a broader shift in NBA media culture, where blunt criticism and high emotion frequently dominate discussion. This may influence how players respond to media scrutiny and how analysts balance commentary with professionalism. O’Neal’s willingness to make bold, controversial statements underscores his unique position in the basketball community, making his future analysis all the more compelling to watch.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Can Rudy Gobert shoot 3?
A. Rudy Gobert announced that he and Julia Bonilla have split up. In May 2025, he shared on Instagram Stories that they are no longer together as she is pregnant with their second child.
Q. Why was Rudy Gobert fined 100k?
A. On Sunday, the NBA informed that Rudy Gobert from the Minnesota Timberwolves faced a $100,000 fine. He made an unsuitable gesture at a referee and criticized the officiating after their 113-104 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night.