When it comes to NBA centers, there is probably no harsher critic than Shaquille O’Neal. As one of the greatest to play the game, he has called out several big men to step up. One of his recent targets has been Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has harshly commented about Gobert’s underproduction before. Recently, the Big Diesel launched yet another scathing blow after Gobert commented on the fans in the Target Center.
A few weeks ago, it was a game night for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Playing against a short-handed Miami Heat side, they got off to yet another sloppy start. However, it was the resurgence of Anthony Edwards that got the crowd alive. Feeling the buzz of the home arena, Gobert had a message for the fans. According to the former Utah Jazz center, the Timberwolves fans need to stay behind their franchise even in the dark times.
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This seemingly didn’t sit well with Shaq. Likewise, he was back once again to rip into the French big man. The Big Aristotle viciously asked Gobert to do more on the floor as NBA fans went crazy.
Shaquille O’Neal aims at Rudy Gobert once again
Last season, Gobert made history by becoming the highest-paid center of all time. He signed a massive five-year $205 million extension with the Utah Jazz. However, as the history books tumbled, Shaquille O’Neal was not a happy man. Despite the three DPOY trophies to back him up, Shaq is often embarrassed with Gobert’s offensive contributions. He once jokingly claimed how averaging just 11 points per game could get any kid a massive contract in the NBA.
This time as Gobert spoke about the fans on Twitter, the four-time NBA champion took exception once again. Speaking on ‘The Big Podcast’, Shaq said: “Get 25 rebounds, get nine blocks. Stop letting people dunk on you. Put somebody on your ass about that instead of crying to the fans”
This caused NBA Twitter to meltdown as Shaq reignited his feud with Rudy Gobert.
Here are some of the reactions from NBA Twitter:
https://twitter.com/be_EAZY311/status/1599576472649633792?s=20&t=iXrwlB0T3W5lVQ2giDHPzA
this dudes hate for some random french dude is completely valid https://t.co/96JilHIxAS
— Junkey ♛ (@thesportjunkey) December 5, 2022
Shaq turned into the biggest hater of all time https://t.co/Ex9vWlA0xv
— Jeff. (@BIG_JEFF) December 4, 2022
Well said Shaq .. https://t.co/N1kl0IbXik
— Usal Daniel E. (@the_usal) December 4, 2022
He said 25 rebounds and 9 blocks my God shaq would you shut the hell up 😂 https://t.co/KnzmYvjvXP
— Emani (@Slim94_) December 4, 2022
Shaq can say whatever he wants. one of the most dominant players in NBA history. Gobert soft af https://t.co/7dkKTvkCkB
— Arrogant Doe (@UWreThtYestrdy) December 4, 2022
My favorite one sided beef
— rennaT (Tank Gunner) (@rennaTcMrennaT) December 4, 2022
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Since making his way to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert arguably hasn’t looked the same. Notably, as one of the leading shot blockers in the NBA, he is averaging merely 1.3 blocks this season. Since his sophomore season, the French center has put up over 2 blocks every season. Moreover, his 13.2 points are his lowest in the past six seasons. As the blockbuster star arrived in Minnesota, the 30-year-old is yet to assert himself with his new franchise.
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As time passes, the Wolves undoubtedly need Gobert to be the leader of the defensive pack. And it seems that is all Shaquille O’Neal has been wanting to see. However, if the center continues to underperform, the Big Diesel likely won’t stop going after his throat anytime soon.
Do you think Shaq went overboard this time? Let us know your views in the comments below.