“If he’s so good, why they didn’t keep his a**?” Shaquille O’Neal believes entire Utah is hating on Rudy Gobert
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Shaquille O'Neal and Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert and Utah Jazz parted ways after signing a contract extension back in 2021. The former DPOY signed a 5-year $205 Million contract at that time. But after failing to clear the 1st round of 2022 playoffs, Jazz decided to move away from their Big man and was even willing to accept offers for another superstar Donovan Mitchell, indicating a complete make-over at the Salt Lake City franchise. LA Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal questions Rudy Gobert’s skill as he explained why he got traded for his lack of impact for the Utah Jazz. Shaq said, “If he’s so good, why they ain’t keep his a**?” Shaq already doubted the “contract extension” Gobert signed with Jazz. And after the trade, Shaq questioned his reliability. He even questioned the French star’s ability to win matches for the team and hyped much.
This time around, ‘The Big Diesel’ outlines how Utah fans are sick of Gobert not producing for their city. Gobert is praised for his awards, if at all, and has yet to make the waves needed to place the Jazz as prominent contenders. O’Neal explained, “Y’all owe me an apology … When I jump on him for making 250 and averaging 12, I’m hating right. Well guess what, the whole state of Utah is hating him too so they get rid of his ass.”
Has Rudy Gobert failed at Utah Jazz?
French center was selected as the 27th overall pick in the 2013 draft, and in the same season, he was traded to Jazz by the Nuggets. During his 9 seasons at the Jazz, Rudy Gobert was a 3x All-Star and 3x Defensive Player of the Year. To some, his Defensive award placed him on a pedestal that he was unable to reach season by season.
He averaged 12 points and 11 rebounds per game for Jazz in the regular season; while making 6 consecutive playoff appearances for the team. His performance in playoffs did see some increase in stats, averaging 13 points and 11 rebounds for Jazz. The reigning rebounding leader had been impactful around the rim for his team, but that wasn’t enough for Utah to even reach to NBA Finals.
Shaquille O’Neal, who won 4 NBA titles, and won 3 consecutive Finals MVP awards knows the importance of winning. In a recent conversation, O’Neal elaborated that the Jazz traded him simply because he was not producing for the squad. The move was arguably a good one because the league still views Gobert as an expensive asset, as per the trade value.
Big Shaq also added that Gobert was not worth what he was traded for. The Timberwolves received Rudy in return for Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, Jared Vanderbilt, four future first-round picks, and a 2026 pick swap. That is a heavy list merely for Rudy, who is the perfect “support” player for the Jazz and couldn’t lead his team to any silverware.
With Donovan Mitchell carrying the team on the offensive end, Gobert would have impacted games on the back end. We have seen Donovan Mitchell prove his worth multiple times over as an asset for the Jazz, but in Shaq’s eyes, Rudy has yet to prove his space on the back end.
For his hefty price correlated with the performance, Shaq might be right on his end. Ever since Rudy won his first Defensive Player of the Year award has O’Neal been notably vocal against Gobert. These comments came as no surprise and were bound to come following the recent mega trade.
Also Read: “We have to be competitive” Jeanie Buss’ stern warning to the Lakers ahead of 2022-23 season
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