Shaquille O’Neal continues to make waves in the NBA. The 7’1” giant was one of the league’s biggest stars during his playing days, and now he remains closely tied to the National Basketball Association as a TNT Sports commentator — and his opinions often spark controversy.

The former star of the Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, and Miami Heat — among others — is widely respected and never holds back, no matter how controversial his take may be. That was proven once again in recent hours, when he publicly revealed that he hates a current NBA player who plays at the same position where Shaq once dominated: center.

That player is Rudy Gobert. In the latest episode of The Big Podcast, Shaq didn’t mince words about the Frenchman:

“I hate Rudy Gobert. He makes $250 million and he doesn’t deserve it. As president of the Big Man Alliance — if you make a lot of money, play like a big man. That’s it. Make some shots. Knock some people down.”

Rudy Gobert, center for the Minnesota Timberwolves (GETTY IMAGES)

Later on, Shaq doubled down on his criticism of the Minnesota Timberwolves player, saying:

“Don’t be like those white boys from Denver who dunk on you and talk trash. Then you have to grab them by the neck at the last second. If you’re going to make that much money, play big.”

These last remarks were a clear reference to a dunk Christian Braun threw down on Gobert in 2024.

It’s worth noting that Gobert has been named NBA Defensive Player of the Year four times — in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2024 — making him one of the greatest defensive players in league history. Before him, only Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace had won the award four times.

The Day Shaquille O’Neal Praised Rudy Gobert “Against His Will”

The Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Los Angeles Lakers in dominant fashion in the first round of the 2025 Playoffs, and Rudy Gobert was one of the standout performers of the series. In that context, Shaq admitted the Frenchman was dominant, though not without first jokingly gagging — pretending to choke — as he gave rare praise to a player he openly dislikes.

“Rudy Gobert is dominating,” Shaq said — words he never imagined himself saying.