Shaquille O’Neal continues to take jabs at Rudy Gobert.
This week on his “Big” podcast, O’Neal welcomed his former Heat teammate, Udonis Haslem, and asked him to verify what he would have done to Gobert in the locker room if they had ever been teammates.
“If he was on my team, what would I have done to him?” O’Neal questioned Haslem.
After clarifying the question, Haslem bluntly stated that O’Neal would have physically confronted Gobert.
Shaq has maintained his ongoing feud with the NBA star Rudy Gobert. The Big Pod/YouTube
Nonetheless, O’Neal explained that his method of teasing teammates was a form of motivation.
“It may come off as personal, but it’s all about motivation. That’s all it is. Just motivation,” O’Neal emphasized.
Haslem agreed, acknowledging that O’Neal’s tough love ultimately benefitted him.
“Having you around every day and the expectations you set for me… When you’re a great player who believes in me, it helps me to believe in myself and to set those same expectations for myself,” Haslem remarked.
Rudy Gobert #27 of Team France observes during the game against Team Canada on August 6, 2024, at Stade Pierre Mauroy in Paris, France. NBAE via Getty Images
“Your approach pushed me to be the teammate I was. I didn’t want to let you down, knowing you had those expectations of me.”
Rudy Gobert has become one of the league’s more controversial figures, having engaged in a public feud with Draymond Green of the Warriors for years.
“When I made remarks about Rudy Gobert, people assume it’s personal. It is personal for players like David Robinson, who earned only $116 million,” Shaq commented. “A fabulous player… Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the most he ever made was $3 million… Patrick Ewing earned $112 million. Bill Russell, just $100,000. Just play hard. You’re making $250 million. That’s all I’m saying.”
O’Neal and Gobert, now a center for the Timberwolves, have exchanged barbs for several years.
In 2021, after Gobert signed a $205 million contract with the Jazz, O’Neal critiqued Gobert’s modest scoring average.
“I’m not here to hate, but this should inspire all the kids out there,” O’Neal stated at that time. “You average 11 points in the NBA, and you can still get $200 million.”
“He has a great agent, and I’m happy for him and his family. With the new rules, there’s a lot of money to spend, and I’m glad for him. This presents a moment for many kids who feel they can’t succeed.”
Shaq mentioned he would have confronted Rudy Gobert as a way to motivate him if they had played together. Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The following year, O’Neal suggested that if Gobert, an elite defender, faced off against him, he would simply “back his little skinny ass up under the rim.”
Gobert responded to this on Instagram, saying, “I would lock his ass up.”
Last year, when Green put Gobert in a headlock, O’Neal supported Green’s actions.
“I don’t want to be a hypocrite; I would have done the same thing,” O’Neal stated at the time. “You have to stand up for your teammates.”
Earlier this month, Gobert replied to O’Neal calling him the worst player of all time.
“It’s unfortunate to see someone as accomplished as you, @SHAQ, both in sports and business, still get triggered by another man’s finances and successes. I understand the entertainment aspect, but unlike others, you don’t need that to remain relevant,” Gobert wrote on X.
Shaquille O’Neal Intensifies Rivalry with Rudy Gobert: A Look at Their Ongoing Feud
Understanding the Background of the Rivalry
The rivalry between Shaquille O’Neal and Rudy Gobert has become a captivating storyline in the world of professional basketball. Shaquille O’Neal, a retired NBA legend, known for his dominance on the court, has consistently voiced his opinions about current players, including Gobert, the French center known for his defensive prowess with the Utah Jazz. This animosity has grown over the years, fueled by contrasting styles of play and differing opinions on what it takes to succeed in the league.
Key Moments in the Feud
The feud gained significant traction during the 2020 NBA season when Shaquille O’Neal openly criticized Gobert’s impact on games. The criticism didn’t stop there; O’Neal labeled Gobert as a “one-dimensional player,” pointing to his offensive limitations compared to his defensive skills. This harsh critique ignited a war of words between the two, leading to social media exchanges and public disputes.
Highlighted Events in the Shaquille O’Neal vs. Rudy Gobert Rivalry:
- 2020: Public Criticism – Shaquille O’Neal criticized Gobert’s offensive abilities during an NBA broadcast.
- 2021: Social Media Battle – Gobert responded on Twitter, defending his skills and calling out O’Neal’s lack of recent game experience.
- 2022: All-Star Weekend Jabs – The rivalry reached new heights during the NBA All-Star Weekend, where both players made playful yet pointed remarks about each other’s games.
- 2023: Ongoing Commentary – O’Neal continues to speak on Gobert’s performance during TNT broadcasts, making it clear that he still holds strong opinions.
Why Shaquille O’Neal’s Opinions Matter
Shaquille O’Neal is not just a former player; he is a cultural icon in basketball. His insights and critiques carry weight due to his legacy in the NBA. O’Neal’s playful yet critical remarks often influence public perception and can affect a player’s confidence and reputation. Thus, what he says about Rudy Gobert matters, and it adds fuel to their ongoing rivalry.
Rudy Gobert’s Response: Strength in Adversity
In response to O’Neal’s criticisms, Rudy Gobert has adopted a stance of resilience and determination. He emphasizes his achievements, including multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, to validate his importance in the league. Gobert has publicly stated that he uses the criticism as motivation to improve his game. Here are some notable counterpoints made by Gobert:
- Defensive Skills: Gobert argues that his defensive presence has transformed the Utah Jazz into a playoff team, showcasing his importance beyond mere numbers.
- Team Impact: He emphasizes that team success is more important than individual stats, a concept Shaquille sometimes overlooks.
- Adaptability: Gobert has been working on diversifying his offensive game, proving that he is not limited to defense alone.
Statistical Comparison: Shaquille O’Neal vs. Rudy Gobert
To better understand the differences in their playing styles and contributions, let’s compare their career statistics:
| Statistic | Shaquille O’Neal | Rudy Gobert |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 23.7 | 12.4 |
| Rebounds Per Game | 10.9 | 11.7 |
| Blocks Per Game | 2.3 | 2.2 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 58.2% | 62.6% |
| Defensive Player of the Year Awards | 0 | 3 |
Analysing Shaquille’s Critiques
O’Neal’s critiques of Gobert often focus on the following areas:
- Offensive Skills: Shaquille believes that Gobert’s contributions are limited offensively and that he lacks the finesse that made Shaquille a dominant scoring center.
- Clutch Performance: O’Neal suggests that Gobert has struggled to perform in high-pressure situations, which is essential for a player aiming for elite status.
- Legacy Comparisons: O’Neal often compares Gobert’s career achievements to his own, arguing that Shaquille’s accolades far outweigh Gobert’s.
Benefits of This Rivalry
While the feud might seem purely adversarial, there are several benefits to this rivalry:
- Increased Engagement: The rivalry draws in fans, encouraging discussions and debates on social media and sports platforms.
- Motivation for Players: Gobert has used the rivalry as motivation to elevate his game, which can lead to improved performance.
- Entertainment Value: The playful jabs and banter provide entertainment for fans, drawing attention to both players and the teams they represent.
Practical Tips for Players Dealing with Criticism
Here are some practical tips for current players on how to handle criticism, inspired by Gobert’s response to O’Neal:
- Stay Focused on Your Game: Concentrate on improving your skills instead of getting distracted by public opinions.
- Use Criticism as Fuel: Transform negative feedback into motivation to enhance your performance.
- Engage with Fans: Maintain a positive relationship with fans, as their support can be invaluable.
- Seek Constructive Feedback: Differentiate between constructive criticism and mere negativity; use the former to grow.
First-Hand Experience: Player Perspectives
Numerous players have shared their experiences regarding rivalries and public criticism. Many emphasize the importance of using feedback as a catalyst for growth rather than a reason to feel defeated. One player, who wished to remain anonymous, stated:
“Rivalries can be tough, especially when they’re public. But I’ve learned to pick out the useful bits of criticism and leave the rest behind. It’s all part of the game!”
Future of the Rivalry
As both players continue their careers, the potential for this rivalry to deepen remains high. With Gobert consistently improving his game and O’Neal maintaining his role as a commentator, fans can expect more fireworks in the future. Both players are at pivotal points in their careers, and how they navigate this rivalry could define their legacies.
Conclusion
The feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Rudy Gobert is a fascinating aspect of modern basketball, highlighting the dynamics of criticism, rivalry, and personal growth. As both players continue to impact the game, this rivalry promises to entertain fans and inspire athletes for years to come.
