NBA legend Shaq O’Neal delivers bold criticism to Rudy Gobert: ‘He doesn’t deserve it’

Rudy Gobert has managed to remain one of the top big men in the modern NBA era. His defensive impact secured him three Defensive Player of the Year awards with the Utah Jazz and another with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Additionally, he has consistently contributed on offense. However, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently delivered sharp criticism towards the Timberwolves’ player, leading him to a promise regarding his future legacy.

“I f*****g hate Rudy Gobert. That m******r makes $250 million [as per Spotrac $109.5 million] and he doesn’t deserve it… As the President of the ‘Big Man Alliance,’ if you’re making big money, play like a big man. If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame, I’ll wear this dress to the m******r ceremony,” Shaq O’Neal said, via The Big Podcast.

The NBA legend Shaq has not kept quiet about his disdain for the current trend among modern big men. He has voiced his concerns about the lack of aggressiveness and trash talk that defined previous generations. Also, O’Neal argues that the emphasis on three-point shooting over traditional post-up play is detrimental to players in this position.

Rudy Gobert is breaking the mold of modern big men — and still dominating the NBA

While Shaquille O’Neal may not be Rudy Gobert’s biggest admirer, the Timberwolves star remains one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA. His influence extends beyond his tenure with the Utah Jazz to his current role with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unlike the physically imposing styles of Shaq or Joel Embiid, Gobert excels through his positional awareness and rim protection.

Despite his formidable defensive prowess, Rudy Gobert has yet to secure an NBA championship. His absence of overwhelming physical dominance and lack of titles may ultimately prevent him from achieving a legacy comparable to O’Neal’s. Nevertheless, it seems unfair to compare anyone to Shaq, who redefined the game by setting new standards of dominance.

Rudy Gobert’s golden shot at winning an NBA title could finally come with the Timberwolves

While Rudy has yet to seize an NBA championship, his golden opportunity may be on the horizon with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Head coach Chris Finch skillfully balances a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. With Anthony Edwards leading the charge as the face of the franchise, the Timberwolves have maintained their postseason relevance, achieving back-to-back appearances in the Conference Finals.

After coming close to the NBA Finals in two consecutive seasons, the franchise decided to emphasize continuity by re-signing pivotal players like Naz Reid and Julius Randle. By preserving their roster, they aim to secure an NBA championship in the near future. This strategy could be a turning point for Rudy Gobert, potentially dispelling a long-standing stigma that has followed him throughout his career.