Nov 13, 2024; Portland, Oregon, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) warms up before the game against the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-Imagn Images

'If He Gets In, Take Me Out' – Minnesota Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert Catches Wild HOF Stray From Shaquille O’Neal

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 24, 2025 8:38 AM ET

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert still has a huge hater in Shaquille O’Neal, as the latter believes that the four-time Defensive Player of the Year doesn’t deserve a spot in the Hall of Fame someday.

O’Neal has called out Gobert for years, and the four-time NBA champion went so far as to request that he be removed from the Hall of Fame if the committee inducts Gobert.

“If he gets in, take me out,” O’Neal said about Gobert on his YouTube channel. “Go in there and just rip my jersey out. I f***ing hate Rudy Gobert. Because f***ing making 250 (million dollars), he doesn’t deserve it. F**k that. I don’t care.”

Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal is introduced as he was inducted into the Magic Hall of Fame during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

“As the President of the Big Man Alliance, you’re making big money, play like a f***ing big man, that’s it,” he continued. “Play like a f***ing big man. Throw some bows, knock some people out. Don’t be letting little white dudes from Denver dunk on you and then talk s**t to you. Then you’re going to grab them by the neck at the last second. Come on bro.”

Minnesota Timberwolves News: Rudy Gobert plans to sit out the upcoming EuroBasket

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will not play for the French national team in the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket, as he plans to recharge his batteries ahead of the 2025-26 NBA campaign.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Rudy Gobert Joins Exclusive Group After Bonkers Stat Line in Game 5 Vs. Los Angeles Lakers 5 Feb 8, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks against the Portland Trail Blazers late in the fourth quarter at Target Center. / Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

“I’ve had busy summers in recent years, and it’s taken a toll. People don’t always realize how intense the EuroBasket is,” Gobert said to L’Aisne.

“It finishes just before the NBA resumes, and it’s a big responsibility. I had said I’d wait until the end of the season to decide, and now I have. This summer, I’m focusing on myself, my family, and my son,” he added.