Shaquille O'Neal's bold comments may or may not have resonated with Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert, who appears dedicated to self-improvement during the offseason. After multiple seasons as the Utah Jazz's interior presence, the 7-foot-1 center joined the Timberwolves in the 2022-23 season, and has been a key part of their lineup since. Along with his defensive prowess, Gobert averaged a double-double last season of 12 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert Shown Training After Shaq Sounds Off originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Shaquille O'Neal's bold comments may or may not have resonated with Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert, who appears dedicated to self-improvement during the offseason.
After multiple seasons as the Utah Jazz's interior presence, the 7-foot-1 center joined the Timberwolves in the 2022-23 season, and has been a key part of their lineup since. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year captured one of his awards in his second season with the team.
Along with his defensive prowess, Gobert averaged a double-double last season of 12 points and 10.9 rebounds per game.
However, his averages dipped in the past two playoffs with the Wolves, and this past postseason saw him average just 7.9 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. Those are career-worst playoff averages for Gobert.
Now 13 years into his NBA career, the French big man is looking to improve for the team's next campaign in the challenging Western Conference.
An Instagram video recently surfaced of Gobert working with well-known shooting coach Chris Matthews. During the clip via @lethalshooter, he demonstrates some moves the big man can use to hit close-range jumpshots or drive to the hoop for layups.
Additionally, Matthews delivered some passes to Gobert, allowing him to hit quick jumpers, showed him a better technique for his shooting form, and even shared how the Wolves center could use his size to mess with defenders.
"Rudy Gobert is committed to mastering his footwork and learning quicker reads to a smooth rhythm. I've been blessed over my career to help Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis, Bobby Portis, Dwight Howard etc. Five guys who are dominate from 15ft and in," Matthews said in his IG caption.
It's an impressive list of basketball stars that Matthews has assisted, including several who have won championships during their careers. Several of those players have also played for the Los Angeles Lakers, a franchise with which Shaq achieved multiple championships during his legendary career.
Last week, the Pro Basketball Hall of Famer ranted about the "hate" he had for Gobert during The Big Podcast with Shaq. Much of the resentment seemed to stem from the fact that Gobert is being paid a substantial amount in today's NBA, compared to what Shaq earned throughout his career.
The four-time NBA Champion went so far as to say that if Gobert got into the Hall of Fame, he would wear a dress to the ceremony.
In comments on the Instagram clip featuring Gobert, many fans showed support for Minnesota's center and his commitment to improving his game.
"I respect Rudy for trying to work on his weaknesses, that's all," one IG commenter wrote.
"this is great to see! He wants to work on his game and get better!" another IG comment said.
"With your help, he's making his 4th All Star appearance this season," another commenter said with several fire emojis.
Gobert, 33, signed a three-year, $110 million contract extension with Minnesota in 2024 and has the potential for several more great seasons.
He will also serve as a mentor for rookie Joan Beringer, a player who could eventually take over his spot in the lineup.
The Timberwolves drafted Beringer, another French center, during last month's NBA Draft. He's already impressed many people in his Summer League games and expressed excitement about learning from Gobert.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 27, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
