Shaquille O’Neal just delivered the tough love Joel Embiid needs to hear. The NBA Hall of Famer didn’t mince words when assessing the Philadelphia 76ers’ injury-plagued center, declaring that Embiid is “no longer comparable to Nikola Jokic” and has been “unconsidered for NBA top big man” status. But here’s the twist—Shaq wants Embiid to channel that criticism into motivation for a comeback season. After playing just 39 games last year and missing the playoffs entirely, can the 2023 MVP reclaim his throne?
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Shaq’s Savage Assessment: “He’s Out the List Now”
During a recent interview, Shaquille O’Neal pulled no punches when discussing Joel Embiid’s fall from elite status. The four-time NBA champion and dominant big man of his era delivered a stark reality check:
Shaq’s Exact Words:
“He’s just been unconsidered for NBA top big man. He’s out the list now, and you can tell him I said it.”
But this wasn’t just criticism for criticism’s sake. Shaq followed up with motivational intent:
“It’s disappointing and I hope he hears this and gets mad and I hope he dominates. But that hasn’t been the case… I’m just trying to motivate.”
Source: NBA Official Website
This tough-love approach is classic Shaq—someone who dominated his era and expects the same relentless excellence from today’s big men. The message is clear: Injuries or not, champions find a way.
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The Numbers Don’t Lie: Embiid’s Injury-Plagued Decline
Joel Embiid’s fall from grace isn’t just perception—the statistics paint a concerning picture of availability and impact.
| Season | Games Played | Status | Notable Achievement/Setback |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 66 games | MVP Season | Won NBA MVP, dominated on both ends |
| 2023-24 | 39 games | Injured | Limited to just 39 games, struggled with knee issues |
| 2024-25 | 19 games | Major setback | Team missed playoffs entirely |
| Career Average | ~60 games/season | Inconsistent | 7× All-Star but constant injury concerns |
The Jokic Comparison: While Embiid battled injuries, Nikola Jokic played 79 games in 2023-24 and 82 games in 2022-23, winning back-to-back MVPs and leading the Nuggets to an NBA Championship in 2023. The availability gap speaks volumes about who currently controls the “best big man” conversation.
The Embiid vs. Jokic Rivalry: From Debate to Dominance
Just two years ago, the NBA world was split on who deserved the “best center” title. The rivalry between Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic defined the 2022-23 season, with Embiid ultimately winning MVP over the Serbian superstar.
Then vs. Now:
2022-23 Season (Peak Rivalry):
- Embiid: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG (MVP winner)
- Jokic: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG (runner-up)
- Debate was real: Both had legitimate MVP cases
2024-25 Season (Gap Widens):
- Embiid: 19 games played, team misses playoffs
- Jokic: 79 games played, leads Nuggets deep into playoffs
- No debate exists: Jokic is undisputed #1 center
Shaq’s assessment reflects this harsh reality: “The Serbian superstar is the only large guy who is regarded as an elite talent” right now because he’s the only one consistently available and performing at an MVP level.
Explore more NBA rivalries and player comparisons on our player rankings page.
Why Shaq’s Criticism Could Be Exactly What Embiid Needs
Shaquille O’Neal isn’t just throwing shade—he’s using a proven motivational tactic. Throughout NBA history, legendary players have responded to criticism by elevating their game:
Historical Examples:
- Michael Jordan used perceived slights as fuel for six championships
- Kobe Bryant thrived on proving doubters wrong
- LeBron James responded to 2011 Finals criticism by winning back-to-back titles
- Shaq himself dominated after being called out by coaches and media
The psychology is simple: Elite athletes with championship DNA often perform best when they feel disrespected. Shaq knows this because he lived it.
The 2025-26 Season: Comeback Player of the Year?
Despite the harsh assessment, there’s genuine optimism about Embiid’s potential rebound. New York Post’s Mike Vaccaro predicted that Joel Embiid will play well enough to win Comeback Player of the Year (though the NBA doesn’t actually have this award—it’s a statement about expected impact).
What Needs to Happen:
✅ Availability First: Play 65+ games minimum
✅ MVP-Level Production: Return to 30+ PPG, elite defense
✅ Playoff Success: Lead 76ers past first round at minimum
✅ Health Management: Smart load management without excessive absences
✅ Mental Toughness: Use criticism as fuel, not excuse
The Reality Check: Embiid has received several honors throughout his career—7× All-Star, All-NBA selections, and the 2023 MVP. But none of that matters if he can’t stay on the court. After the team missed the playoffs entirely last season, both Embiid and the organization are on a mission to prove they’re legitimate contenders.
Expert Predictions: Can Embiid Reclaim Elite Status?
The basketball community is divided on Embiid’s prospects for redemption:
Optimistic Camp:
- “Many experts believe that Joel Embiid will be back to his All-Star form”
- “Many also trust in his ability to stay healthy throughout the year”
- The 76ers added depth and talent to support Embiid’s return
Skeptical Camp:
- Career-long injury concerns suggest pattern, not anomaly
- Age and mileage catching up (30 years old with significant wear)
- Mental hurdles after disappointing playoff exits
- Jokic has separated himself as the clear #1 center
The Shaq Factor: Shaq’s public challenge could be the spark that ignites a revenge tour. Athletes of Embiid’s caliber often respond to being written off by legends of the game.
What’s at Stake: Legacy and Championship Window
For Joel Embiid, this season isn’t just about stats—it’s about cementing his legacy before his championship window closes.
Legacy Concerns:
- “Injury-Prone” label could define his career narrative
- Risk of being remembered as “What Could Have Been”
- Needs deep playoff run to validate his MVP season
- Current trajectory: Hall of Fame talent, but not Hall of Fame career
Championship Window:
- Age 30 entering prime-to-decline phase
- Supporting cast might be best he’ll have (depending on roster)
- Eastern Conference still wide open for taking
- Window could slam shut if another injury-plagued season occurs
The Bigger Picture: Big Man Dominance in Modern NBA
Shaq’s criticism also highlights a broader NBA trend: big men who can’t stay healthy simply can’t dominate in today’s game. The league’s 82-game grind, plus playoffs, demands availability.
Current Elite Big Men Rankings (Post-Shaq Comments):
- Nikola Jokic – Undisputed #1, MVP-level consistency
- Anthony Davis – Elite when healthy (similar concerns to Embiid)
- Bam Adebayo – Consistent two-way impact
- Domantas Sabonis – Underrated all-around game
- Joel Embiid – Dropped out of top 3 due to availability
This ranking would have been unthinkable two years ago when Embiid was winning MVP. That’s how fast perception—and reality—can shift in the NBA.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why does Shaquille O’Neal think Joel Embiid is no longer an elite big man, and is this criticism fair?
A: Shaq’s assessment is rooted in availability and consistency, not talent. He stated “He’s just been unconsidered for NBA top big man. He’s out the list now” because Embiid played just 39 games in 2023-24 and only 19 games in 2024-25, causing the 76ers to miss the playoffs entirely. In contrast, Nikola Jokic played 79 games in 2023-24 while winning MVP and leading the Nuggets deep into the playoffs. Shaq’s criticism is fair from a competitive standpoint—greatness requires availability, not just talent. However, Shaq’s intent is motivational, not destructive. He explicitly said “I hope he hears this and gets mad and I hope he dominates… I’m just trying to motivate.” Coming from a four-time champion who dominated his era, this tough-love approach mirrors how Shaq himself responded to criticism during his career. The fairness debate ultimately depends on whether you prioritize peak performance (Embiid’s 2023 MVP) or sustained excellence (Jokic’s three-year dominance). Shaq clearly values the latter.
Q: Can Joel Embiid realistically return to MVP form and compete with Nikola Jokic for the “best center” title in 2025-26?
A: It’s possible but requires perfect execution on multiple fronts. Embiid would need to: (1) Play 65+ games to be eligible for major awards and establish consistency; (2) Return to his 2023 MVP form (33+ PPG, elite defense, 4+ APG); (3) Lead the 76ers to a top-4 Eastern Conference seed and win at least one playoff series; (4) Stay mentally focused despite the criticism and pressure. Many experts believe Embiid will return to All-Star form and trust his ability to stay healthy, citing his dedicated offseason physical preparation for the 2025-26 season. However, several red flags exist: he’s 30 years old with significant injury history; career-long availability issues suggest systemic problems rather than bad luck; and Jokic has separated himself as the clear #1 center through three consecutive elite seasons. New York Post’s Mike Vaccaro predicted Embiid could win “Comeback Player of the Year” (though the NBA doesn’t have this award), signaling belief in a redemption arc. The basketball world wants to see Embiid succeed, but he must prove Shaq wrong through actions, not words.
