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Minnesota City Today
By the People, for the People
Shaquille O'Neal Rips Rudy Gobert's $250M Contract: 'I Don't Wanna See a 7-Footer Airball Dunking'
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal continues his long-running feud with Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert, criticizing his lack of entertainment value.
Apr. 11, 2026 at 9:25pm
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Shaquille O'Neal's ongoing feud with Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert reflects the clash between traditional and modern NBA big men.Minnesota City TodayShaquille O'Neal, the NBA legend, has once again taken aim at Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, criticizing the French player's $250 million contract and lack of entertainment value on the court. O'Neal, who has previously admitted to 'hating' Gobert, said the four-time Defensive Player of the Year doesn't do enough to justify his massive salary, stating he doesn't want to see a '7-footer airball dunking' or getting 'pushed around' and 'dunked on'.
Why it matters
Shaq's ongoing feud with Gobert highlights the divide between traditional big men who dominated the paint and modern defensive-minded centers. As one of the most dominant players in NBA history, Shaq has set a high bar for what he expects from elite big men, and he clearly doesn't believe Gobert meets that standard despite the Frenchman's impressive defensive accolades.
The details
During a recent interview, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his criticism of Rudy Gobert, saying the Timberwolves star doesn't do enough to entertain fans despite making over $250 million in his career. O'Neal, who won four NBA championships, said he 'hates' Gobert and doesn't want to see a '7-footer airball dunking' or getting 'pushed around' and 'dunked on'. The Hall of Famer argued that if Gobert is going to make that much money, he should 'put on a show for the people'.
- On April 10, Shaquille O'Neal fired another shot at Rudy Gobert.
The players
Shaquille O'Neal
A Hall of Fame NBA player who won four championships and is considered one of the most dominant big men in league history.
Rudy Gobert
A seven-time NBA All-Defensive First Team player, four-time Defensive Player of the Year, and four-time All-NBA center for the Minnesota Timberwolves.
What they’re saying
“If you're gonna make $250M, put on a show for the people. I don't wanna see a 7-footer airball dunking. I don't wanna see you pushed around. I don't wanna see you dunked on. This kid, he's making $250 million, and he is happy.”
— Shaquille O'Neal, NBA Legend
The takeaway
Shaquille O'Neal's ongoing criticism of Rudy Gobert highlights the generational divide in how NBA fans and experts evaluate the value of defensive-minded big men versus traditional paint-dominating centers. While Gobert's defensive prowess is undeniable, Shaq believes he needs to provide more entertainment value to justify his massive $250 million contract.
