Rudy Gobert has responded to Shaquille O’Neal after the NBA legend called him the worst NBA player of all time.
In a tweet addressing O’Neal directly, Gobert expressed disappointment with Shaq’s comments, emphasizing his own accomplishments in the league.
“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,” Gobert tweeted. This marked his first public response to Shaq’s criticism.
Shaq recently made headlines by naming Gobert as the WOAT (worst of all-time) during an interview. When asked for his opinion, Shaq simply replied, “Rudy Gobert.”
O’Neal, known for his outspoken nature, also took aim at Ben Simmons in the same discussion, calling Simmons “another bum” due to his perceived underperformance relative to his salary.
Shaq’s criticism stems from a broader frustration with players who he believes earn massive contracts but do not meet expectations on the court.
“If you sign a contract for $250 million, give me $250,” O’Neal said, referencing high-paid players like Simmons and Gobert. Shaq added that his own physical ailments resulted from playing hard for his $120 million contract, contrasting it with players today whom he feels have not earned their paychecks.
Gobert, who is currently under a five-year, $205 million contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves, is a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year. Despite these accolades, Shaq’s comments highlight ongoing debates over Gobert’s value to his team, especially given his large salary.
In his tweet, Gobert acknowledged the entertainment aspect of Shaq’s persona but suggested that O’Neal does not need to attack other players to remain relevant. “I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant,” Gobert wrote.
O’Neal’s criticism also extended to Simmons, who is currently on a five-year, $177 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Simmons has faced widespread scrutiny for his performance in recent seasons, with his stats declining significantly. Last season, Simmons averaged career-low just 6.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game while playing only 115 games in four years.
Shaq’s frustration with both Gobert and Simmons appears to be rooted in his belief that today’s players do not put in the same level of effort as past generations, despite earning larger contracts. He noted that while many people view his comments as “hating,” he insists that he is simply stating facts.
