Shaquille O’Neal Boldly Rips Rudy Gobert Again, Promises to Keep Pressure on Timberwolves Star Amid Ongoing NBA Big Man Debate

Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to mince words, and his ongoing criticism of Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert took another bold turn this week. The Hall of Famer and TNT analyst, known as much for his dominance on the court as his outspoken presence off it, once again zeroed in on Gobert’s game, doubling down on past criticisms while promising to keep the pressure on the French center.

This latest volley in the war of words adds another chapter to what’s become one of the NBA’s most polarizing player-vs-legend narratives. While O’Neal insists his comments are about maintaining high standards for big men, others see it as an example of generational tension between old-school dominance and modern defensive specialization.

A Legacy of Dominance Demands Results

O’Neal, who won four NBA titles and redefined the center position during his prime, has long voiced concerns about how today’s big men compare to his era. And few players have been on the receiving end of his critiques as frequently—and as forcefully—as Rudy Gobert.

“I just want to see more,” O’Neal said during a recent appearance on “The Big Podcast with Shaq.” “You’re 7-foot-1, you’re getting paid over $200 million, and you can’t give me 20 and 10? That doesn’t fly with me.”

The comments echoed a familiar refrain. Since Gobert’s rise to prominence with the Utah Jazz—and now with the Timberwolves—O’Neal has repeatedly pointed out what he believes are limitations in Gobert’s offensive game. While Gobert has won three Defensive Player of the Year awards and remains a dominant shot blocker and rebounder, O’Neal’s criticisms have centered on the belief that Gobert’s offensive skill set is underwhelming for a player of his size and salary.

The Vow: “I’m Not Letting Up”

In his most recent remarks, O’Neal took things a step further—not just renewing his critique, but issuing a vow to continue applying pressure.

“I’m not letting up. Not until I see dominance. I’m not asking for 40 a night. Just show me you’re the baddest man in the paint,” said O’Neal. “Right now, it looks like he’s a role player getting superstar money.”

While some fans have brushed off the comments as entertainment or old-school nostalgia, O’Neal insists it’s about legacy and expectation. To him, being a big man in the NBA comes with a certain responsibility—to dominate, to lead, and to change the game. Anything less, in Shaq’s eyes, is a missed opportunity.

Gobert’s Response: Taking the High Road

Rudy Gobert, for his part, has generally avoided trading jabs with the NBA legend. While he’s defended his approach to the game and acknowledged the importance of past greats, he’s rarely been drawn into back-and-forth exchanges.

When asked about O’Neal’s latest vow, Gobert replied with characteristic composure.

“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion,” he told reporters after a Timberwolves training camp session. “I respect what Shaq did for the game. I’m focused on helping my team win. That’s it.”

While Gobert’s diplomatic tone has earned praise from fans and teammates alike, the conversation surrounding him has become an unavoidable subplot in his NBA journey—especially as he prepares for what could be a make-or-break season in Minnesota.

Timberwolves at a Crossroads

After trading away multiple draft picks and players to acquire Gobert from the Jazz in 2022, the Timberwolves entered a win-now mode. The move was bold—and controversial. Some analysts questioned whether pairing Gobert with fellow big man Karl-Anthony Towns would work in today’s fast-paced, space-heavy NBA.

The results have been mixed. While the Wolves made the playoffs, chemistry issues, offensive spacing concerns, and injuries kept them from making a deep run. With Anthony Edwards emerging as the face of the franchise, Gobert now finds himself needing to justify the team’s massive investment in his services.

And that’s exactly the kind of situation O’Neal is watching closely.

“Look, I’ve been that guy. I know the weight of expectation,” Shaq said. “When they build around you, when they trade the farm for you, when they give you a max contract—you gotta deliver. That’s not hate. That’s the truth.”

The Changing Role of NBA Centers

O’Neal’s criticism also reignites the broader conversation about how the role of centers has evolved in the NBA. In Shaq’s heyday, dominant post play, physicality, and paint scoring were the hallmarks of elite big men. Today’s NBA often prioritizes shooting, switching, and versatility.

Gobert, while an elite defender, is rarely the focal point of Minnesota’s offense. His role is more about rim protection, pick-and-roll finishes, and rebounding. And that, some argue, makes the Shaq standard less applicable.

But O’Neal isn’t buying it.

“Don’t tell me the game’s changed and then say you’re the best,” he said. “Best is best. Dominance is dominance. You can’t redefine it just to make it easier.”

Supporters Push Back

Not everyone agrees with O’Neal’s take. Many fans, players, and analysts have come to Gobert’s defense, pointing to advanced metrics, All-NBA selections, and the undeniable impact he has on defense.

Former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins offered a counterpoint during an ESPN segment.

“Gobert’s not Shaq, and that’s okay,” said Perkins. “He does what he’s supposed to do. You don’t ask Shaq to hit threes. You don’t ask Rudy to drop 30. They play their roles.”

Others pointed to O’Neal’s long history of publicly criticizing modern players—from Dwight Howard to JaVale McGee—as a pattern that may reflect more about Shaq than his targets.

Can Gobert Rise to the Challenge?

Whether Gobert takes O’Neal’s criticism as motivation or mere noise, one thing is clear: the spotlight on him has never been hotter. With the Timberwolves needing a leap forward this season, particularly in the crowded Western Conference, Gobert’s performance could make or break their playoff hopes.

For Gobert, that means more than just rebounds and blocks. It means anchoring a defense that can stand up to teams like Denver and Golden State. It means playing with energy, consistency, and presence every night. And—if Shaq has his way—it means proving that he belongs in the conversation of great modern bigs.

The Bigger Picture

This debate between O’Neal and Gobert touches on more than just two players. It’s a reflection of how the NBA’s identity has shifted, and how the stars of yesteryear still influence the discourse of today.

Can greatness be redefined for a new era? Is dominance purely about numbers and highlights, or is it about mastering your role, no matter how unspectacular it looks on paper?

For O’Neal, there’s no room for compromise. For Gobert, the best response will come not in soundbites—but in results.

As the NBA season approaches, the stage is set. The Timberwolves have talent. Gobert has opportunity. And Shaq, as promised, will be watching.