NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal openly questioned Joel Embiid’s attitude and mental approach as the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for the upcoming season and a critical trade decision. O’Neal expressed his doubts about Embiid’s commitment and toughness following the star center’s cautious management of his knee injury and his choice to avoid playing in back-to-back games this season. O’Neal stated,
“And not only that, I say this respectfully. Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right.”
His remarks underline the frustration around Embiid’s perceived softness, which has sparked debate among former players and analysts.
The former Lakers center, speaking on his podcast with Zach Randolph, criticized Embiid’s reluctance to embrace physical punishment on the court, recalling,
“’Cause I came at him one day, and his response was ‘Guys don’t play like that no more.’ I’m like ‘M——– what? The f— you talking about?’ Like bro, go inside, punish… I was like ‘I’m done even talking to you.’”
O’Neal’s reaction revealed a disconnect between his hard-nosed style and Embiid’s approach, prompting Shaq to distance himself from the 30-year-old star amid concerns over Embiid’s attitude conflicting with the team’s aspirations.
The 76ers’ Strategy: Keeping Embiid Despite Setbacks and Injury Woes
Despite Shaquille O’Neal’s harsh judgments, the Philadelphia 76ers remain committed to Joel Embiid for the next season, choosing to maintain their core Big 3 intact. Embiid’s injury struggles have affected the team’s performance substantially; last season, he played only 19 games due to persistent knee issues, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. This was the fewest games Embiid has participated in since 2017, highlighting the severity of his setbacks.
NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that the 76ers have no plans to trade Embiid, opting instead to trust the star center and his teammates Paul George and Tyrese Maxey to rebuild chemistry and contend again. However, the three key players only managed to share the court for 15 games last season before Embiid’s arthroscopic knee surgery ended his campaign prematurely. The team’s record of 24–58 reflected the heavy toll his absence took on their playoff chances.
With injuries recurring for over half a decade, the 76ers and Embiid have adopted a cautious approach to his game time, often resting him during back-to-back matches to preserve his health. The hope is that this careful management, alongside the Big 3’s cohesion, can restore the team’s competitiveness and satisfy their demanding fanbase.
Debate Over Embiid’s Playstyle: Toughness or Misunderstood?
The ongoing conversation about Joel Embiid’s mentality and style continues to divide opinion. On one hand, Shaquille O’Neal criticizes Embiid as “soft” and lacking the killer instinct needed for a championship contender. On the other, some like former player Zach Randolph defend Embiid’s competitive energy and unique approach, pointing to his Cameroon roots as a source of resilience.
When asked by podcast host Adam Lefkoe whether Embiid could have succeeded in the more physical era of O’Neal and Randolph, Randolph responded affirmatively, saying Embiid “for sure” had that potential. Yet, Shaq’s visceral skepticism remained unchanged. This rift between old-school toughness and modern player management encapsulates the broader tension surrounding Embiid’s future.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the 76ers and Their Fans
As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare to restart their season with Embiid as the focal point, Shaquille O’Neal’s blunt critique adds pressure on the star center to adjust his mindset and prove his toughness on the court. The team’s choice to retain Embiid and the Big 3 signals a commitment to continuity rather than rebuilding, relying heavily on their health and chemistry.
For fans and analysts alike, Embiid’s response to criticism and ability to overcome injuries will be essential in determining whether the 76ers can return to championship contention. O’Neal’s comments may fuel scrutiny, but the onus remains on Embiid and the team to deliver results under these heightened expectations.