Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has often found himself in the spotlight, particularly due to his lucrative five-year maximum contract. However, this deal has drawn sharp criticism from none other than former NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaq has not held back in voicing his opinions. The former Los Angeles Lakers star even went as far as labeling Gobert the “Worst Player of All Time,” stating that he believes Gobert’s performance does not live up to the expectations that come with such a hefty contract.
Gobert has proven he won’t just sit quietly. Recently, during an interaction with a fan, he was asked to rank defenders and whether he would choose between Bill Russell and Shaquille O’Neal. Without a moment’s hesitation, Gobert chose Bill Russell.
Rudy Gobert’s respect for Russell is completely justified. Russell, who played the majority of his career with the Boston Celtics, is widely regarded as one of the most imposing rim protectors in NBA history. Over his 13-year career, he won an astounding 11 NBA championships, the most in league history.
Rudy Gobert Addresses Shaquille O’Neal’s Worst Player Label
Gobert took to social media last month to address the sharp criticism he received from Shaquille O’Neal. After Shaq labeled him the “worst NBA player of all time,” Gobert didn’t hold back in expressing his thoughts. He shared a post on his X account revealing his feelings on the matter.
“It’s sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did [Shaq] both in sport and business still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments. I get the entertainment part, but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant,” he wrote in X.
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Gobert’s massive five-year maximum contract, worth $205 million, has been the focal point of the criticism. He signed the deal during the 2022–23 season, which runs through 2026, with a player option for the 2025–26 season.
Given the size of the contract, expectations for Gobert’s performance are incredibly high. He led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals last season but failed to bring the team a trophy after the Dallas Mavericks defeated them.
Also Read: Shaquille O’Neal Drops Truth Bomb About Phoenix Suns Superstar Kevin Durant.
