NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal had harsh criticism for Joel Embiid entering the new season. Embiid won the MVP Award just three seasons ago, but his health issues have ruined the Philadelphia 76ers’ chances at any relevant success over the past two years. O’Neal has multiple platforms to share his thoughts on basketball and went out of his way to criticize Embiid.
Shaq said the following about why he no longer considers Embiid among the premier big men in the league:
“He’s just been unconsidered for NBA’s top big men. He’s off the list now. Tell him I said it. I remember three years ago, it was him and Joker. They were neck and neck. Joker has him by far now. It’s disappointing. I hope he hears this and gets mad, and I hope he dominates.”
Embiid no longer feels like one of the top 10 players in the league due to how little he’s been on the court since his MVP season. Even when he was active last season, Embiid didn’t look healthy and struggled to put up his usual dominant numbers.
Shaq Hopes Criticism Inspires Embiid
O’Neal’s commentary continued as he shifted his tone toward a more inspirational message. Shaq said he hopes players hear his words and use them as motivation to prove him wrong. He claimed his criticism should be viewed differently than media figures who bury players for fun.
“I don’t think people understand what I do,” O’Neal said. “When I come at the guys, they want to take it personal. But I’m trying to motivate them. If I say something and you [complain], I know you’re soft. S-O-F-capital-T — SOFT.”
Embiid has had issues with some of O’Neal’s past criticisms, putting him in that “soft” category in Shaq’s eyes. Any discussion about the greatest centers of all time includes O’Neal, which would make Embiid look worse if he continues to butt heads with him in his current analyst role.
Embiid’s Terrible Start Proved Shaq Right
The 76ers saw Embiid suiting up to start the season against the Boston Celtics, but the former MVP looked terrible. Embiid put up 4 points on 1 of 9 shooting from the field and added just 6 rebounds in 20 minutes of action. The woeful plus/minus of a -16 led to Embiid getting benched with 9 minutes left and not returning in a close game.
Philadelphia looked better with Embiid on the bench and the guards dominating. Tyrese Maxey delivered 40 points and rookie VJ Edgecomb scored 34 points to lead the 76ers to a road victory over the Celtics by 1 single point. Unfortunately, the subtraction of Embiid from the lineup added to the team playing better.
O’Neal’s boldest claim was that Embiid is no longer one of the top centers in the league and tonight proved that for the short-term. Embiid must slowly build back his comfort and stay completely healthy to return to dominant form. The criticism of Shaq will be viewed as more than fair until Embiid does enough on the court to prove him wrong.
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