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topicnews · September 6, 2024

Gobert responds to Shaq being called the worst player of all time

Gobert responds to Shaq being called the worst player of all time

SALT LAKE CITY – The ongoing feud between Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and Hall of Fame center Shaquille O’Neal has a new chapter.

In an interview with Complex, Shaq called Gobert the worst player in NBA history.

Related: Gobert ties NBA record with fourth DPOY Award

Gobert defends himself against Shaq WOAT Take

In a conversation with his son Myles, a host of “Complex,” Shaq attacked Gobert for his allegedly unearned money.

“If you sign a $250 million contract, show me 250,” Shaq said of Gobert’s supposed lack of commitment. “There’s a reason I walk funny, why I can’t turn my neck, and why I can’t do it is because I played for my $120 million.”

After the interview went viral, Gobert responded to the Los Angeles Lakers legend on social media.

“It is sad to see someone who has achieved as much as you @SHAQ “In both sports and business, another man’s finances and accomplishments can still serve as a catalyst,” Gobert wrote. “I understand the entertainment part, but unlike other people, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant.”

Gobert has long been the target of Shaq’s attacks.

In 2021, Shaq said this about the then Utah Jazz center.

“I don’t want to object, but this should be an inspiration to all the little kids out there: If you average 11 points in the NBA, you can get $200 million.”

In a podcast with Spice Adams in 2022, Shaq went one step further and praised Gobert’s offensive abilities.

“Rudy is a great player, a good defensive player, but he doesn’t bring anything on offense, for example, he has no post moves.”

When Adams said Gobert would limit him to 12 points, Shaq replied, “Yeah – in the first three minutes.”

Gobert under fire from Mavericks rookie

Shaq isn’t the only big man attacking Gobert for his money.

Earlier this week, Dallas Mavericks rookie Dereck Lively II and former NBA player Theo Pinson questioned why the three-time All-Star was on the court in the postseason.

“[The Mavericks] “When he played against the Minnesota Timberwolves, there was no reason why Rudy Gobert should have been on that court,” Pinson said.

“Zero,” Lively replied.

“But you’re paying him about $40 million to $50 million,” Pinson said.

The Mavericks beat Gobert’s Timberwolves 4-1 in the Western Conference finals before losing to the Boston Celtics in the final.

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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz Insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10am-12pm with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops or on Instagram @BensHoops.