Shaq not liking Rudy Gobert is one of basketball’s most predictable traditions—right up there with buzzer-beaters and trade rumors. So when Shaquille O’Neal finally gave the Wolves big man a rare compliment this offseason, it felt like watching a cat bark. Don’t get too used to it, though. If Gobert ever reaches Hall of Fame status, don’t expect Shaq to hand him that orange jacket like he did for Dwight Howard. Not out of humility—but out of pure spite.

On a recent episode of The Big Podcast with the Morris twins, Shaq doubled down. And this time, co-host Adam Lefkoe didn’t even let him hide behind the usual “$250 million and no bag” argument. Lefkoe called it like it is: “Shaq doesn’t like when non-great people get great things.” Ouch. So if Rudy’s headed for HOF glory someday, he might want to bring his own speech… and someone else to hand him the jacket.

Gobert has already played out the disputed five-year, $205 million deal. He signed a three-year, $109.5 million contract extension with Minnesota in 2024. He already has four Defensive Player of the Year awards. If he won a championship, Shaquille “I Have Four Rings” O’Neal would probably acknowledge him. What other great things Gobert could get that Shaq won’t like?

As Lefkoe painted an entertaining picture, “I just want Shaq to still be on TV when Rudy gets into the Hall of Fame ’cause it’s going to hurt.”

Markief Morris even floated the idea of Gobert asking Shaq to walk him in just as Dwight Howard used this opportunity to bury their years long beef. But Shaq always believed Howard was worthy of HoF honors, a Team USA spot, or a comeback in the NBA. He has no such feelings for Gobert. And if Gobert wants to pull a Dwight, i.e., “If Rudy Gobert gets to the Hall of Fame, I’ll wear this dress to the f—— ceremony.”

The ‘dress’ Shaq is referring to is actually Charles Barkley in a black halter dress and wig from his legendary Weight Watchers commercial in 2012. It inspired a Halloween trend back then.

Instead of celebrating Gobert’s career, all eyes would be on Shaq… and his dramatic protest. On The Big Podcast, he didn’t hold back, declaring, “If he gets in, take me out.” And he wasn’t done. He doubled down with, “Rip my jersey off.”

Maybe some of us would like to see that. Shaq’s family, especially his six kids, probably won’t. They still haven’t lived down their dad’s Chris Brown impression. But we know he’s only making this claim because he doesn’t think there’s any likelihood he has to strut out in Chuck’s Weight Watchers fit.

Shaquille O’Neal might want to rethink Rudy Gobert’s HoF odds

Back in the 2025 post-season, Rudy Gobert had a strong playoff display with 27 points and 24 rebounds against the Lakers. It was a viral performance that made all eyes go to TNT for what one particular person had to say.

Shaquille O’Neal proved he’s not always a hater. Though when he said, “I never thought I’d say these words… but Gobert is dominating,” he was almost sick with putting Gobert and ‘dominant’ in the same sentence. That’s his physical limit. Sharing the HoF air with him is not an option for the big guy who’d rather let Chuck tease him for his Halloween costume.

As of 2025, Rudy Gobert has a 27.2% chance of getting enshrined. Besides DPOY, his resume boasts 3x All-Star, 4x All-NBA, 8x All-Defensive, 2x Olympic Silver Medalist, 10.5k points, 9.7k rebounds, 1,718 blocks. While 27% isn’t promising, it’s believed he has a strong likelihood of earning HoF honors anyway.

Lefkoe told Shaq that the odds are in the 4x DPOY’s favor. We’d rather take Shaq in drag. Or O’Neal could take Lefkoe’s suggestion and turn the Big Man Alliance into his own Hall of Fame. But that could change if Gobert does something that impresses Shaq.