Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is never afraid to offer harsh criticism, and in the case of players he considers the worst in the NBA, he wants them to “shut him up.”

In a interview with Complex Posted on Wednesday, the four-time NBA champion was asked who is currently the worst player in the league, and without much hesitation, he answered Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. O’Neal also said Brooklyn Nets guard Ben Simmons “It’s another bum.”

“If you sign a $250 million contract, show me $250 million,” he explained. “You got guys like him that (expletive) the system and out there making all this money and can’t (expletive) play. I don’t respect guys like that.”

Sure, the comments have been all over social media, but when USA TODAY Sports asked O’Neal said of his criticism of the two players that his comments should be used as motivation to prove him wrong.

“Rudy and Ben, show me what you got,” he said. “People don’t understand what I say on TV now. It’s the same thing I told my players as a leader. Young man, you’re getting paid $20 million. You’re not doing anything. Improve your game.”

“I don’t hate you, I’m telling you the truth. If you don’t like the truth, that’s something you have to accept. So now it’s out, it’s viral. Show what you’re going to do, Rudy and Ben. Shut me up.”

Shaquille O'Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.Shaquille O'Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.

Shaquille O’Neal looks on before the game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks in Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden.

Rudy Gobert responds to Shaquille O’Neal’s comments

O’Neal has been critical of Gobert for several years, despite being named the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year four times, including last season. Despite this, O’Neal said he thought Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo should have won the prize.

Gobert reslaid on O’Neal’s criticism on social media Thursday.

“It’s sad to see someone who has accomplished as much as you @SHAQ, both in sports and business, still be influenced by another man’s finances and accomplishments. I understand the entertainment side of things, but unlike some people, you don’t need that kind of stuff to stay relevant,” Gobert wrote.

Gobert signed a five-year, $205 million contract in December 2020 with the Utah Jazz before he is traded in 2022.

This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Shaquille O’Neal to Rudy Gobert and Ben Simmons: “Shut up”

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