It all started with the ‘Superman’ title, and it hasn’t cooled down since. Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard have been at odds for what feels like forever. These two NBA giants just can’t seem to find common ground, always on opposite sides of the court. And once again, the NBA star is calling Shaq out—this time for what he feels is unwarranted criticism toward another player, Rudy Gobert.

Recently, Howard opened up about the beef on Thanasis Antetokounmpo’s podcast, saying, “It didn’t hurt me, but it made me question, like, what’s the beef about? What’s your true issue with me?” He stressed that none of his career moves were designed to compete with Shaq.

“Going to Orlando wasn’t orchestrated to copy you. Me going to LA wasn’t orchestrated to copy you,” he explained. He even defended his use of the ‘Superman’ moniker, saying it had nothing to do with Shaq. Despite his admiration for Shaq’s dominance on the court, the baller admitted that Shaq’s attitude had left him disillusioned. 

“Sometimes when people’s actions and attitudes towards you make you feel like, ‘I’d rather not be that type of person,’ it sticks with you,” Howard said. The latest chapter involves Rudy Gobert, who’s been a frequent target of Shaq’s critiques. 

During his time on TNT’s Inside the NBA, the NBA legend didn’t hold back, famously calling Gobert “one of the worst NBA players ever.” Because feels players like Gobert, who signed a massive $205 million contract with the Utah Jazz, aren’t living up to their paychecks. 

“If you sign a contract for $250 million, show me 250,” Shaq once said. Shaq even pointed to his own career as a benchmark. “I walk funny. I’ve got issues with my neck because I gave it all for my $120 million,” he said. 

But even at the time when Shaq felt Rudy didn’t deserve DPOY, Dwight didn’t let Shaq’s criticism slide. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he made it clear that his support for Gobert comes from a place of respect. “Rudy, you’re still my Dawg! Keep repping for the DPOY’s this year 💯. Anything I’ve said is because I want to see the best of you,” the hooper wrote.

On the podcast, he elaborated further, saying, “I’ve publicly said stuff like Rudy should do this and do that, but that’s out of love for Rudy. I don’t have no beef with him.” Then he blamed Shaq for using such a big broadcast medium to defame someone.

As he said, “It’s okay to say you want somebody to get better.” But he felt tearing someone down at “every chance you get on the air’ wasn’t right. But as we all know, the NBA legend’s criticism is not limited to these two.. 

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Joel Embiid has also been a frequent target. Shaq famously said, “Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and attitude right.” Shaq’s critiques often focus on pushing players to reach their full potential, but the delivery can sting.

Even Charles Barkley, Shaq’s longtime colleague on TNT, has been known to throw sharp criticism at players. LeBron James himself has spoken out against their harsh words, calling them unfair.

Former NBA players have weighed in on Shaq’s critiques, with Iman Shumpert offering a unique perspective. “Big guys be hurt,” Shumpert said on The Big Podcast. He explained that while players may not publicly acknowledge Shaq’s comments, they do feel the impact privately.

Shaq’s commentary is undeniably impactful, but not everyone agrees with his methods. Some see his critiques as motivational, while others feel they verge on unnecessary. 

For Dwight, it’s about the example being set. “I wouldn’t do that,” he said said. And love him or hate him, Shaq’s presence remains larger than life. And as long as he’s around, his words will continue to spark debates or infuriate people.