Shaquille O’Neal is known for his outspoken criticism, but his relentless jabs at Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert have reached new levels. Dubbed the “WOAT” (Worst of All Time) by Shaq, Gobert’s game has become a regular target for the NBA legend’s roasting. And with Gobert’s recent altercation involving Russell Westbrook, Shaq has pounced on the opportunity to stir the pot once again.
Shaquille O’Neal Calls Out Gobert’s Game – Justified Criticism or Over the Top?
On his show, The Big Podcast, Shaq seized the moment to mock Gobert after a camera caught Gobert looking shaken as Westbrook charged toward him during a Timberwolves-Nuggets game. “Whoever that cameraman is, you get a clap,” Shaq said, adding humor by mimicking Gobert’s expressions. Fans have been quick to question whether Gobert, known for his defensive prowess and a massive $205 million contract, really deserves such criticism – or if Shaq’s jabs are going too far.
The tension started when Gobert pushed Denver’s Christian Braun by the neck during Friday’s game. Westbrook, taking a stand for his teammate, rushed toward Gobert before officials intervened. This was all Shaq needed to reignite his disdain, bringing up what he sees as the glaring gap between Gobert’s hefty paycheck and his on-court impact. “If you’re pulling in $250 million, you better play like it,” Shaq insisted, comparing Gobert’s earnings to his own $120 million career earnings, which he claimed to have justified with hard work and skill. “Guys like him abuse the system, making big money without big results,” Shaq said, expressing outright disdain.
Gobert, however, wasn’t going to stay silent. He took to social media, calling out the “strangeness” of Shaq’s obsession with his earnings, hinting that the Hall of Famer’s fixation is less about basketball and more about personal resentment.
In a heated discussion, former Miami Heat player Mario Chalmers jumped in, stating he’s “not a fan” of Gobert’s defense, which Shaq eagerly supported. Shaq piled on by asserting that Gobert’s defense wouldn’t work against powerhouses like Nikola Jokic or Joel Embiid. According to Shaq, for Gobert to impress him, he’d have to shut Jokic down – holding him to less than 15 points.
Will Gobert ever silence Shaq’s fierce critiques? Or will this feud continue, with Shaq finding more ammunition to keep fans buzzing? For now, it seems Big Diesel will stay on the offensive, with Gobert’s every move – and expression – under scrutiny.
As they say, “If you can’t stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.”
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