Shaquille O’Neal has doubled down on his criticism of Rudy Gobert after previously calling the Minnesota Timberwolves center the “worst NBA player of all-time.”
O’Neal elaborated on his stance during a recent episode of The OGs podcast, addressing Gobert’s impact on future NBA players.
In the discussion, O’Neal explained his belief that Gobert’s performance could negatively affect future earnings for younger players.
“When I speak, I try to speak from facts,” O’Neal said. He emphasized that the massive contracts players are signing today could be even larger in the future if current stars perform at a higher level.
O’Neal warned that underperforming could lead owners to question the value of these contracts, which would ultimately harm the league.
“If you keep playing how you’re playing and you’re f*cking the money up, then this thing of ours is ruined,” he continued.
The Inside the NBA analyst was adamant that his remarks were not about staying relevant but about protecting the future of the NBA.
Gobert, who signed a five-year, $205 million deal in 2020, has been a frequent target of O’Neal’s critiques.
O’Neal pointed to the rising financial stakes in the NBA, including a recently signed $6 billion media deal, to underscore his concerns.
He also predicted that future NBA players could earn even more, provided current stars live up to their contracts.
“When I put out these challenges, they fail the test because they respond… they sensitive,” O’Neal remarked, further commenting on today’s players.
Despite O’Neal’s sharp remarks, Gobert remains a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and an All-Star.
O’Neal’s criticism has drawn attention to a broader conversation about the performance expectations for high-paid NBA stars.
While O’Neal’s comments are known to spark debate, his focus remains on the potential consequences for future generations of players.
