Shaquille O’Neal critiques Rudy Gobert, Ben Simmons: ‘Elevate your performance’
Basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal isn’t shy about voicing his strong opinions. When it comes to players he deems underperformers in the NBA, he challenges them to “prove him wrong.”
In a recent interview with Complex released on Wednesday, the four-time NBA champion was asked who he believes is the weakest player in the league. Without hesitating, he named Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. O’Neal also labeled Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons as “another bum.”
“If you land a contract worth $250 million, you better bring that level of performance,” he asserted. “There are players like him who take advantage of the system, making huge sums and yet not showing up to play. I have no respect for that.”
O’Neal’s comments quickly spread on social media. However, when YSL News Sports questioned O’Neal about his remarks regarding Gobert and Simmons, he emphasized that his words should act as motivation for them to better their performance.
“Rudy and Ben, show me what you’ve got,” he challenged. “What people don’t realize is that my comments on TV reflect what I would tell my players as a leader. Young man, if you’re earning $20 million, you need to step up your game.
“This isn’t hate; it’s the truth. If you can’t handle the truth, that’s your issue. Now that it’s gone viral, let’s see your response, Rudy and Ben. Prove me wrong.”
Rudy Gobert reacts to Shaquille O’Neal’s comments
O’Neal has been critical of Gobert over the years, even though Gobert has earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award four times, including the most recent season. O’Neal previously suggested that Miami Heat’s Bam Adebayo deserved the accolade instead.
In response to O’Neal’s latest criticism, Gobert took to social media on Thursday.
“It’s disappointing to see someone as accomplished as you, @SHAQ, still be affected by another person’s success and finances. I understand the entertainment aspect, but you don’t need to resort to that for relevance,” Gobert posted.
Gobert signed a five-year, $205 million deal with the Utah Jazz back in December 2020 before he was traded in 2022.
