Rudy Gobert Fires Back at Shaq for Claiming He’s NBA’s Least Valuable Player

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By: Mike

 

 

 

 

 

Shaquille O’Neal is known for his outspoken nature, especially when discussing the NBA, and recently he openly criticized some players he considers to be the least effective in the league.

 

On the GOAT Talk podcast hosted by Complex, Shaq was prompted to identify the worst NBA player ever, and without hesitation, he named Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

 

Following the widespread sharing of O’Neal’s remarks on social media, Gobert responded on X, suggesting that Shaq’s comments were primarily for entertainment and to maintain his own relevance.

 

“It’s disappointing to witness someone with your achievements in both sports and business [Shaq] being upset over someone else’s financial success and achievements. I understand the need for entertainment, but unlike others, you don’t require such tactics to stay relevant,” Gobert commented.

 

 

 

Shaq justified his criticism by discussing his personal standards for player contracts and performance.

 

“No, it’s because if you’re paid $250 million, show me what $250 million looks like. I have physical issues from playing hard for my $120 million. Then you have players like him, exploiting the system, earning huge sums without real performance. I have no respect for such players,” Shaq explained.

 

“Whenever I say these things, people say I’m just bitter, but these are the facts,” he added. “There are teachers, firefighters, and doctors out there with real jobs who aren’t paid nearly enough.”

 

Gobert is currently under a five-year contract worth $205 million with the Timberwolves, which will not expire until after the 2025-26 season. Last season, he averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game, securing his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award. Despite his defensive accolades, he continues to face critique from O’Neal, who is considered one of the all-time great centers.

 

 


 

 

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