During his 12 years of professional experience, Rudy Gobert has become a benchmark at the NBA defensive level. His impact has led him to win four DPOY awards and eight All-Defensive call-ups. Despite this, he has received strong criticism from Shaquille O’Neal, who claimed that he earned much more than he deserved and said that he should not enter the Hall of Fame. After this, a 2008 champion with the Boston Celtics decided to respond to this criticism in a forceful way.
“Rudy is who he is…If Ben Wallace got into the Hall of Fame, Rudy is going to the Hall of Fame. I know Ben Wallace has a ring, but if you match them up side by side, when we are talking about accolades, both are four-time Defensive Player of the Year, that’s a huge f*****g impact. Rudy just got to get over that hump,” Kendrick Perkins said, via Road Trippin’ podcast.
Rudy often faces criticism for not being a physically dominant big man like legends such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, or Joel Embiid. However, while his style of play differs, he remains a transformative force for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Demonstrating his defensive prowess, he earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defenders.
Former NBA player Richard Jefferson also fires back at Shaq over criticism of Rudy Gobert
Not only did Kendrick Perkins, but also Richard Jefferson, who weighed in on Shaquille O’Neal’s harsh critique of Rudy Gobert. On the Road Trippin’ podcast, he shared his thoughts, saying, “Yo, Shaq’s going to wear a dress to a ceremony? That is awesome… Rudy Gobert is going to be a Hall of Famer. There is a 99.8 percent chance he is going to be a Hall of Famer based off of his Defensive Player of the years. Like there are people that have less than have gotten it.”
Rudy Gobert posted 29 points and 24 rebounds in Game 5 against the Lakers.
At just 33, Rudy Gobert has some years left in his NBA career. He is committed to chasing the ever-elusive championship and continuing to add defensive accolades to his legacy. Though not Shaq’s favorite, the French star consistently proves his worth on the court. As a vital part of the Minnesota Timberwolves, he plays a pivotal role in complementing a team led by Anthony Edwards.
see also
NBA legend Shaq O’Neal delivers bold criticism to Rudy Gobert: ‘He doesn’t deserve it’
Rudy Gobert made offseason decision to boost impact with the Timberwolves
Rudy Gobert has consistently served as a defensive stalwart for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he is coming off a challenging scoring season, registering his lowest average in eight years. Over 72 games, he managed just 12 points per game—a statistic that, while not alarming, underscores room for growth. Determined to enhance his offensive contribution, he has committed to making strategic changes this off-season.
After opting out of EuroBasket 2025, Rudy has partnered with Chris Matthews, one of the premier scoring coaches globally. Matthews announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the Timberwolves star intends to refine his footwork and enhance his offensive reading. Though the results will emerge in the 2025-26 season, this decision highlights his commitment to the team’s pursuit of a championship alongside young talent Anthony Edwards.
