Rudy Gobert has received a lot of flak in recent times from both active and former NBA players for his defensive limitations. Even fans and members of the media have called out the four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner’s glaring flaws in one-on-one situations. However, NBA legend Eddie Johnson pushed back against this public perception of Gobert.
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On SiriusXM NBA Radio, the 65-year-old admitted that Gobert should be the one to address the criticism he faces. But Johnson claimed that he is perplexed by how critics have frequently overlooked the Frenchman’s abilities to focus solely on his shortcomings.
“This is something that Rudy Gobert has to address, because, obviously, his demeanor on the court, maybe he is saying stuff to players that we are not privy to hearing, and maybe that’s part of it… But the vitriol against this man, it baffles me…”
“When you got a guy that’s a defensive marvel of freaking nature… But he has people nitpick on the things that he can’t do at a high level,” he added.
Why does Rudy Gobert get criticized at times by other players?@jumpshot8 would like an answer to that question pic.twitter.com/tMBMlgtzql
— SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) September 6, 2024
Johnson’s comments hold weight if you consider Gobert‘s career achievements. The 32-year-old is arguably one of the league’s best defensive forces in the paint. His career average of 11.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocks indicates that. The NBA has also acknowledged his impact on the hardwood as an elite defender with four Defensive Player of the Year awards.
However, the Timberwolves center has struggled to keep up with the requirements of the modern game, especially in the past few seasons. The 7’1″ star is usually slow in closing down offensive players.
Additionally, his uninspiring footwork provides perimeter shooters with ample time to make their shots. Several teams have exploited his slow movement outside the paint to score on him in one-on-one situations.
As a result, Gobert has been benched in crucial moments of postseason games quite a few times, which is not a good look for a max contract player with so many defensive accolades.
Gobert’s five-year, $205 million contract has therefore, become a source of ridicule amidst his defensive misadventures. Several former and active players have publicly questioned the rationale behind this deal.
Shaquille O’Neal doubled down on this during his latest interview with COMPLEX. He called Gobert the ‘W.O.A.T.’, or Worst Player of All Time. Shaq soon explained the reason behind his harsh words,
“If you sign a contract for $250 (million), show me $250 (million). There’s a reason why I walk funny, why I can’t turn my neck. Because I played for my $120 (million). You got guys like him that f- the system over there making all this money and they can’t f***ing play. I don’t respect guys like that.”
Shortly after O’Neal’s remarks started circulating online, the Timberwolves star went to X to call him out.
“It is sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did @SHAQ both in sport and business still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments. I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant.”
It is sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did @SHAQ both in sport and business still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments. I get the entertainment part but unlike other folks, you don’t need that stuff to stay relevant. https://t.co/KPHs2VmfIb
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) September 5, 2024
This made headlines as it was one of the rare moments Gobert stood up for himself. The support he gained from a few others on the issue might as well prompt him to continue speaking out in the future.
