Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert recently responded to a critical remark from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal, who had labeled him as the worst NBA player of all time. In an interview with Complex, the four-time NBA champion argued that Gobert's performance hasn't lived up to the hefty contract he received, thus earning him the 'WOAT' title. WOAT refers to Worst of All Time.
On Thursday, Gobert took to social media to address O'Neal’s comments. He shared the interview clip and delivered a strong reply, defending his reputation and achievements against the criticism.
‘It is 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,’ Gobert wrote
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What Conspired
Although the question seemed to be asked in joking way Shaquille O'Neal responded with serious intent, naming Rudy Gobert as the "worst NBA player of all time." O'Neal, who appeared serious throughout his response, also listed Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons as his runner-up for the title.
O'Neal criticized Simmons as well, saying, “Ben Simmons is another bum,' O'Neal claimed. 'Let me 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 is because I played for my 120. So you got guys like [Gobert] that f*** the system over there. They're making all this money and they can't f****** play. I don't respect guys like that. Every time I make these comments, people think I'm hating but these are facts”.
Gobert's achievements
Entering his 12th NBA season, Rudy Gobert boasts three All-Star selections from 2020 to 2022. He has also earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times and led the league in blocks in 2017 and rebounds in 2022. After leaving the Utah Jazz in 2022, Gobert secured a lucrative five-year max contract worth $205 million, positioning him among the highest-paid players in the league.
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