Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to beat around the bush, that’s for sure. He proved that on Tuesday night with his comments about Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid.
Embiid started off the 2024-25 season on the bench due to his knee injury. He then received a three-game suspension from the NBA for confronting Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes in the team’s locker room. On Tuesday night, he made his season debut against the New York Knicks.
So far, Embiid hasn’t played at an MVP level. He finished the first half with just eight points on 0-of-3 shooting from the field. That’s not exactly what 76ers fans wanted to see.
O’Neal, who has criticized Embiid in the past, didn’t hold back with his halftime assessment of Embiid. While on TNT, the four-time NBA champion ripped Embiid to shreds.
“This was the fear I have for Joel Embiid. You announced arrogantly that you’re not playing back-to-back games. When you say something like that, you’re supposed to come out with extra energy,” O’Neal said. “I say this respectfully: Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right.”
That might seem harsh, but this take from O’Neal could age incredibly well.
Unfortunately for Embiid, he just hasn’t proven that he can win when it matters most. It’s not entirely fault, especially since basketball is a team game. However, the 76ers need him to be much more reliable than he currently is.
We’ll see if this rant from O’Neal ends up backfiring in the future.
Related: NBA Announces Punishment For Joel Embiid Shoving Reporter