Without a doubt, one of the best players in NBA history is Shaquille O’Neal. His achievements are self-explanatory: he was named MVP in 2000, went on to win four championships (including the final three-peat in NBA history), won two scoring titles, three MVP awards in the Finals, and had his jersey retired by three different teams (Lakers, Heat, and Magic). Shaq has continued to leave his impact even off the court.
In addition to hosting TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” he is a touring DJ and electronic music producer who has recorded four rap albums. Diesel also holds the record for the biggest bill in Walmart history. Shaq has made the most of his notoriety as a result of his prosperous NBA career.
Rudy Gobert versus Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq won numerous awards during his NBA career, but the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) title escaped him. The current winner of this title, Rudy Gobert, has won it four times, matching Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace for the most in NBA history.
Shaq doesn’t appear to like Gobert’s style of play, though. In the most recent “GOAT TALK” segment featuring his son Myles O’Neal, Shaq categorically referred to Gobert as the “WOAT” (Worst of All Time).
Shaq bemoans Gobert’s offensive shortcomings and implies that opposition centers don’t find him difficult to play against, even in spite of his DPOY honors. Shaq also addressed the pay gap, focusing on Gobert’s pay in particular.
Gobert’s deficiencies were made abundantly plain during the Olympic Games, when the coach entirely sidelined him and he was noticeably absent from important elimination matches. Even if I disagree with Shaq’s critical evaluation of Gobert, he makes some good points concerning his shortcomings. Gobert’s $205 million, five-year contract has generated controversy, particularly in light of the spectacular trade that cost the Jazz two years ago for the Timberwolves, including five players and ten draft picks—a move that was unprecedented at the time.
