Shaquille O’Neal is never one to hold back his opinions, and he recently made it clear that he couldn’t believe what he saw from Rudy Gobert during the 2024 Paris Olympics gold medal game between Team USA and France. The moment in question involved a rather awkward incident where Gobert, in an attempt to draw a foul, went underneath Joel Embiid, seemingly trying to portray it as a charge.
https://www.instagram.com/p/p:C-glIUsPAqH
The move not only puzzled those watching but also drew bewildered reactions from Joel Embiid and LeBron James.
Shaq, never one to miss a chance to poke fun at players, especially when it comes to big men like Gobert, shared the clip of the incident on his Instagram. In the video, Gobert is clearly seen grabbing Embiid by the legs and attempting to create a charging foul. The move was awkward, to say the least, and both Embiid and LeBron’s expressions reflected that. Shaq’s caption added to the humor, as he asked his followers, “What this move called,” further highlighting the absurdity of the situation.
Draymond Green, known for his candid reactions and strong opinions, also chimed in on the situation. Green, who has never shied away from expressing himself, found the incident equally amusing.
He shared Shaq’s post on his own social media, adding his own laughing emojis. Green’s reaction added another layer to the collective amusement shared by NBA stars over Gobert’s awkward play.
This moment was particularly tough for Gobert, who has already been facing a challenging period. Despite being a four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Gobert found himself coming off the bench for France in the latter stages of the Olympics. His performance in the final game against Team USA was underwhelming, scoring just 2 points in a little over 12 minutes of play and failing to make an impact defensively.
For Shaq, who has often been critical of modern big men, this incident provided yet another opportunity to emphasize the difference in the game today compared to his era. Gobert’s attempt at drawing a foul on Embiid may have been a strategy, but for Shaq and many others, it was a moment that seemed to highlight the French center’s struggles rather than his strengths.
Rudy Gobert Maybe Done Playing For France
Rudy Gobert might be stepping away from his role with the French national basketball team, as the star center hinted at a potential retirement from international play following a challenging Olympic run in Paris. Speaking to the French media after France’s final game, Gobert reflected on the moment, suggesting that it might have been his last time representing his country on such a stage, as per BasketNews.
“We said that we were proud of each other, and we said that despite the disappointment, we had to appreciate this moment. For some, it’s their last – Nando, Nico, maybe me, who knows.”
“There, we really said to appreciate this moment. I don’t know, we’ll see, we’ll see. But what I know is that I really try to appreciate every moment.”
Gobert’s performance during the tournament was hampered by an injury, limiting his impact on the court. He finished the Olympic Games averaging just 3.3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game. Despite France’s impressive victories over Canada and Germany, Gobert’s reduced role raised questions about his future with the national team.
Gobert’s potential retirement would mark the end of an era for French basketball, as he has been a key figure for the national team for many years.
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