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Shaquille O'Neal Names Most Overrated NBA Player Without Hesitation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Max Escarpio | Last updated May 19, 2025 1:18 PM ET

Shaquille O'Neal recently made a guest podcast appearance, where he shared his thoughts on the current NBA playoff slate and even spoke on the most overrated NBA player.

O'Neal joined Ashley Nevel, where she mentioned, "This isn’t just another Shaq interview. This is a conversation about greatness, growth, and the truth no one sees behind the highlight reels."

During the one-on-one interview, Nevel asked O'Neal, "Who is one current player who you think is overrated, but you wouldn't say it on TNT?"

"You're talking about like a Rudy Gobert or Ben Simmons," O'Neal said. "I would never say those names... Again, I would never say Rudy Gobert or Ben Simmons. I just can't say it."

O'Neal was asked about his most overrated player in the NBA and decided to call out two stars. When asked, O'Neal was quick to point out Gobert and then added Simmons into the mix.

Shaquille O'Neal has been known to call out Gobert, who statistically would go down as one of the most dominant centers in the NBA.

While Gobert lacks an offensive game, he's been named a three-time All-Star, a four-time All-NBA member and four-time Defensive Player of the Year.

After quickly mentioning Gobert, who's currently competing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference Finals, he threw shade at Ben Simmons.

Simmons was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft.

Despite having a solid frame as a 6-foot-10 guard, Simmons has mightily struggled to stay consistent throughout his NBA career.

Last season, Simons played with both the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Clippers. After being bought out by the Nets, he joined Los Angeles and wound up making the playoffs with the West Coast team.

During his time with the Clippers, Simmons played in 18 games. He finished the stretch with Los Angeles posting 2.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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