NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has had a lot to say about Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid in the past. The Hall of Famer O’Neal has criticized Embiid a bit in the past about getting into the post more and such, but has not said much recently.
However, that is until now when O’Neal sat down with HoopsHype and participated in a Q&A session with them. He was asked about his tough love on fellow Hall of Famer Dwight Howard and who he would give it to in today’s NBA. O’Neal had this to say:
Nobody now because of the bigs that are supposed to be big. The big that I would be tough on is the Joker, but he’s the best center in the league. So I have to say nothing to him. And he has a championship, which means he knows what it takes. So I don’t have to say anything to him. Wemby, he’s still in that baby era. I try to be tough on Joel (Embiid), but apparently he can’t take it. So I’ll probably have to delete him from my program.
Embiid has gone on to win an MVP award and is arguably the best center in the league when he is healthy and right. The big fella is one healthy playoff run from leading the Sixers to the Eastern Conference finals, but injuries continue to play an ugly part in his career. One has to believe the Sixers will be in great shape in the 2025-26 season if Embiid is ready to go and quiet some critics–none bigger than O’Neal.
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This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal makes statement on Sixers star Joel Embiid