NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal didn’t mince words about Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert recently. O’Neal has been a vocal critic of Gobert for years, often targeting his defensive plays. However, in a surprising twist, O’Neal made a major admission on the OGs podcast.
In a podcast discussion with another former NBA star, Udonis Haslem, O’Neal questioned Haslem about him and Rudy Gobert sharing the same locker room. Haslem responded that O’Neal would’ve ‘laid his hands’ on him if they had shared the same rocker room. O’Neal seemingly agreed with Haslem’s words and labeled them as ‘motivation.’
The Shaq-Gobert feud began earlier this year. This occurred when O’Neal labeled Gobert the worst player of all time and indicated that the Timberwolves center doesn’t seem to be worth the money he’s earned throughout his 10-year NBA career. In response, Gobert fired back, stating that O’Neal was triggered ‘by another man’s finances and accomplishments.’
Gobert will be looking to make an early mark on the upcoming 2024-25 NBA season with his Timberwolves side. He and the Timberwolves will start their path to do this on October 1, when training camp begins.
The first preseason game is on October 4, and the regular season begins on October 22. It will be interesting to watch how Gobert performs, with a lot of eyes, including Shaq’s, upon him going into the new NBA season.
Shaquille O’Neal chased Dorell Wright ‘naked’ in locker room during Miami Heat days
Shaquille O’Neal has been one of the most influential personalities in and around the NBA over the years. Notably, ever since his retirement from the sport, O’Neal willingly attends various podcasts and also has his own, ‘The Big Podcast.’ The former NBA legend speaks about various topics regarding the past and present stories revolving around the sport.
Similarly, O’Neal once discussed an incident in which he followed former Miami Heat teammate Dorell Wright around the locker room while nude with former Heat guard Mario Chalmers.
You got to understand that when I’m on a team, I’m the president, I am the emperor…So I told him [Dorell Wright] to do something; he didn’t do it, and like he’s also similar to me cause he’s a jokester, he thought I was playing, so I said yo man, and I chased him around the locker room. I was butt n**ed.
Shaquille O’Neal said on the Big Podcast
Nevertheless, O’Neal had a great time with the Heat. Alongside Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade, the 15-time All-Star big man won a championship with the Heat.
During his stint in Miami, he averaged 19.6 points and 9.1 rebounds. Hence, O’Neal always talks ‘good’ about the Heat and wishes them well despite the franchise not being at their best over the past few years.
