NBA Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal took another shot at former Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert on September 4.
In an interview with Complex, O'Neal was asked who was the worst NBA player of all-time. He put his words as plainly as possible: "Rudy Gobert."
When asked why Gobert, O'Neal explained why he does not respect Gobert.
"If you sign a contract for 250 (million dollars), show me 250. There's a reason why I walk funny, why I can't turn my neck, and why I can't do it. Because I played for my 120. So you got guys like him that f*** the system over. They're making all this money, and they can't f****** play, so I don't respect guys like that."
Shaq named his pick for the Worst NBA Player of All Time… 😶 pic.twitter.com/tsEqJFl2qP
— Complex (@Complex) September 4, 2024
Gobert's response to Shaq's words
Gobert caught wind of O'Neal's words and responded to them via his X account on September 5. While Gobert was blunt, he took the high road.
"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 man’s finances and accomplishments. I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant."
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 man’s finances and accomplishments. I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant. https://t.co/KPHs2VmfIb
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) September 5, 2024
O'Neal is not only one of the best basketball players of all time but is also one of the biggest celebrities whose claim to fame stemmed from his popularity as a basketball player. O'Neal has tried his hand at acting, rapping, reality TV, and even having a video game tie-in during his playing days.
Even now, after his playing career ended, O'Neal has made a name for himself as an "analyst." Whether the audience gives him respect for his two cents, people tune in to what he has to say about current NBA players.
Shaq & Gobert have history
This is not the first time Gobert and O'Neal have exchanged barbs with each other. In fact, it's not even the first time this offseason that O'Neal has had some brutal words for Gobert. Their history spans for the last several years.
It seems like the former Jazz center is a magnet for constant criticism, whether it be from long-since retired NBA players like O'Neal or NBA players just starting their NBA careers like Dereck Lively II.
And a lot of it seems very narrative-based. Gobert indeed has his limitations, but he's still a Hall-of-Fame center who has almost always played for a winning team. He just came off one of the most impressive accomplishments of his NBA career: dethroning the Denver Nuggets as champions.
It is a shame that the hate overshadows all the good he has consistently brought with the Jazz and Timberwolves. Even if he is never able to shut up his haters for good, Gobert can rest easy knowing he will go down as one of the best centers of his era and one of the best rim protectors the NBA has ever seen.