The feud between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal reached a new level when O’Neal appeared on Complex’s “GOAT Talk” podcast with his son Myles O’Neal. In response to Myles asking who the worst NBA player of all time was, Shaq named Gobert, adding insult to injury by also calling Ben Simmons a “bum.” Shaq further explained his reasoning by criticizing players who make significant amounts of money without proving their worth on the court.
Unsurprisingly, Gobert was quick to respond to Shaq’s comments. Taking to social media, Gobert expressed his thoughts on O’Neal’s criticism. This isn’t the first time Shaq has targeted Gobert, especially since the center signed a lucrative contract in 2020. O’Neal has consistently belittled Gobert’s defensive abilities and overall impact on the game, causing tension between the two players.
Despite the ongoing criticism from Shaq and other NBA players, Gobert has learned to cope with being one of the league’s most scrutinized players. In an interview with ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Gobert admitted that he has accepted his role as a target for ridicule. The constant scrutiny and negative comments have not only affected Gobert’s reputation but have also put pressure on him to perform at a higher level to prove his doubters wrong.
As the feud between Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O’Neal continues to escalate, it remains to be seen how the two players will interact in the future. Will Gobert use the negativity as motivation to elevate his game even further? Or will the ongoing criticism from O’Neal and others take a toll on Gobert’s performance and mental well-being? Only time will tell how this feud will unfold and whether it will have a lasting impact on both players’ careers.
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