Kevin Durant's Friend Calls Out Shaquille O'Neal For His Hypocrycy On Rudy Gobert

"If I were 42, I'd be making Rudy Gobert money. Twelve points and eight rebounds? I could do that s**t right now. It's not a diss it's a fact... making $250 million... averaging twelve points." 

Shaq, a dominant force in his playing days, has taken shots at Gobert's lucrative contract and statistical output, implying that he could easily replicate Gobert's numbers at his age. 

Rudy Gobert, currently in the third year of his massive $205 million contract, has been a pivotal player for the Timberwolves this season. Despite not posting flashy scoring numbers, Gobert's impact on the defensive end has been instrumental in his team's success. Averaging 13.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game on an impressive 64.8% shooting, Gobert's contributions extend beyond the stat sheet.

The Timberwolves, currently holding the third seed in the Western Conference with a record of 45-21, owe much of their defensive prowess to Gobert's presence in the paint. With the best defensive rating in the league at 108.3, Gobert's rim protection and defensive awareness have been invaluable assets for his team.

Furthermore, Gobert's candidacy for the Defensive Player of the Year award, which would be his fourth overall, underscores his reputation as one of the premier defenders in the NBA. Despite Shaq's criticisms, Gobert's impact on the court and his value to his team cannot be understated.

As a close friend of Kevin Durant and a co-host on 'The ETCs with Kevin Durant' podcast, Eddie Gonzalez's tweet serves as a reminder that while Shaquille O'Neal may have been a dominant force in his prime, his current comments come across as hypocritical and lacking in perspective. Instead of belittling Gobert's achievements, there is merit in acknowledging his contributions to his team and the league as a whole.

Rudy Gobert Admits He Let Emotions Get Better Of Him Resulting In A $100K Fine

Rudy Gobert recently addressed the hefty $100,000 fine he received for making a money gesture toward officials during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 8. Speaking to TMZ Sports on Rodeo Drive just days after the league handed down the six-figure penalty, Gobert admitted that the fine was indeed a significant financial hit, despite his lucrative career earnings exceeding $217 million.

In explaining his actions, Gobert acknowledged that as human beings, athletes are prone to emotions and reactions, particularly in the heat of competition. He emphasized that while players may not always be right, everyone is entitled to express their opinions, especially in a game where emotions run high.

The incident occurred when Gobert made a Johnny Manziel-esque hand sign directed at official Scott Foster, insinuating that referees might be influenced by sports betting. Additionally, during the post-game press conference, Gobert voiced concerns about the impact of gambling on the integrity of the sport, suggesting that it has harmed basketball.

Despite his explanation, Gobert faced criticism from former NBA star Charles Barkley, who believed that a suspension would have been a more appropriate punishment. Barkley emphasized the importance of maintaining the perception of fairness in sports, warning that any hint of impropriety could damage the league's reputation irreparably.

Gobert's outspokenness on league matters isn't new, and his latest comments, coupled with his track record for making controversial statements, likely contributed to the severity of the fine. The NBA, as a global entertainment entity, relies on the perception of fairness and integrity to maintain its credibility.

Moving forward, Gobert will need to exercise caution with his words to avoid further disciplinary actions. Given the Timberwolves' successful season and their reliance on Gobert's defensive prowess, it's crucial for him to remain focused on the game and avoid distractions that could potentially harm the team's progress.

Stats Back Up Rudy Gobert's DPOY Case

Rudy Gobert is emerging as the favorite to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award for the 2023-24 season. The Minnesota Timberwolves star center has been a dominant force on defense, significantly impacting his team's performance and earning accolades for his exceptional play.

Gobert's defensive prowess was evident during his absence due to a right hamstring injury in a recent game against the LA Lakers. Without him on the court, the Wolves struggled defensively, highlighting his importance to the team's defensive schemes. Despite his brief absence, Minnesota boasts the league's top defensive rating (108.3), a testament to Gobert's elite rim protection and overall defensive impact.

Opponents have found it difficult to score against Rudy Gobert, shooting just 42.9% from the field and 48.1% from within six feet when he is on the court. His ability to contest shots and alter opponents' attempts has been instrumental in stifling opposing offenses. 

Gobert ranks third in contested two-point shots (9.6) and fifth in contested shots overall (11.3) per game, showcasing his defensive versatility and presence in the paint.

Furthermore, Gobert's statistical performance underscores his candidacy for the DPOY award. He ranks second in rebounds, averaging 12.9 boards per game, and sixth in blocks with an average of 2.1 blocks per game through 62 games played.

With Gobert's dominant defensive play and impact on the Wolves' success, he has become the frontrunner for the DPOY award. His odds of winning the award are heavily favored, reflecting his outstanding contributions to Minnesota's defensive prowess throughout the season. As the regular season approaches its conclusion, Gobert's stellar defensive performances continue to solidify his position as the leading candidate for the prestigious DPOY honor.