Rudy Gobert is a seven-time member of the NBA’s All-Defensive team. He’s also won four Defensive Player of the Year awards and is considered one of the NBA’s best defenders of all time. Don’t tell any of that to Shaquille O’Neal though.
Shaq’s one of Gobert’s biggest haters in a world that has a lot of them. The former Los Angeles Lakers legend has long been on his soapbox, trashing the Minnesota Timberwolves’ center any time he can. Of course, that naturally includes during the offseason, when basketball critics have nothing else to do. On Wednesday, the Hall of Fame center was back at it, showing everyone just how much rent Gobert occupies inside Shaq’s head.
Who’s the worst player in the NBA today? That’s a question that could generate about 100 different answers, depending on which fanbases are polled. But Shaquille O’Neal has a different answer, and it’s one absolutely no one would expect.
When asked who the worst player in the NBA is, Shaq didn’t hesitate. He quickly answered, “Rudy Gobert.” It seems like a complete joke, but O’Neal said this with a straight face. This should come as no surprise to Timberwolves fans who have long heard about the hate Shaq has in his heart for the 7-foot-1 Frenchman.
“Ben Simmons is another bum. No, because you know why? I’m going to tell you why. If you sign a contract for $250 (million), show me 250. There’s a reason why I walk funny, why I can’t turn my neck and why I can’t do it because I played for my $120 (million). So you got guys like him that f–k the system over there making all this money and they can’t f–ing play. So I don’t respect guys like that. You know every time I make these comments, people think I’m hating but these are facts . You got teachers, you got firemen, you’ve got doctors who have real jobs and don’t get paid s–t.”
Even the host couldn’t contain his laughter. Like most of the world, he realizes the idea of Gobert being the NBA’s worst player is an absolute joke. Shaq may not appreciate the four-time All-NBA center or his contract, but he’s still a very good player.
After all, Gobert earned that contract. If the Jazz hadn’t signed Gobert to a five-year, $205 million contract in 2020, several other teams would have.
And that’s how the world works. You’re only worth as much as someone is willing to pay you, and the cold, hard truth is Gobert is a very valuable player. The Timberwolves realize this , but that won’t help Gobert earn any respect from Shaq.
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