The ongoing beef between two NBA legends, Rudy Gobert and Shaquille O'Neal, escalated further on Thursday with Shaq making disparaging remarks about Gobert on a podcast. Shaq, a four-time NBA champion, criticized Gobert's skills and lucrative contract, calling him the worst NBA player of all time. He also took a swipe at Ben Simmons, labeling him as a 'bum.'
Shaq's comments stemmed from his belief that players like Gobert, who signed a massive $205 million contract in 2020, are overpaid and underperforming. He expressed his frustration at players who he feels do not live up to their salaries, citing his own physical struggles from his playing days as a comparison.
Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner, responded to Shaq's comments on social media, highlighting the irony of Shaq's fixation on finances and accomplishments. Despite the ongoing criticism, Gobert has come to terms with being a polarizing figure in the NBA, having faced ridicule from other players like Draymond Green and Andre Iguodala.
Shaq's criticism of Gobert's defensive impact and his preference for Bam Adebayo as the Defensive Player of the Year further fueled the feud between the two players. The tension between Shaq and Gobert has been ongoing, with Shaq repeatedly questioning Gobert's worthiness of his lucrative contract.
As the verbal sparring continues between the two NBA stars, it remains to be seen if they will reconcile their differences or if their feud will persist in the public eye. The clash between Gobert and Shaq serves as a reminder of the competitive nature and egos that often define the world of professional basketball.
