‘Candid’ Shaquille O’Neal gives a blunt warning to Joel Embiid about potentially winning a championship
Shaquille O'Neal called out Joel Embiid after a disappointing debut in his return from injury against the New York Knicks.
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Shaquille O'Neal reacts to Joel Embiid's debut
The Philadelphia 76ers welcomed Joel Embiid back to the lineup on Tuesday. However, the star center’s return didn’t quite provide the spark the team desperately needed. With the season already off to a rocky start, the 76ers’ 2-8 record reflects a team in need of direction and leadership. As Embiid struggled on his night back, Shaquille O’Neal dished a blunt warning about his championship potential.
Joel Embiid, earlier in the season, openly stated he would sit out back-to-back games for load management Shaq, known for his no-nonsense critiques, responded with clear frustration. On TNT, he explained his concerns about Embiid’s attitude. He called out Embiid for missing out on more games after just returning to the squad for the 76ers.
This was the fear I have for Joel Embiid, you announce arrogantly, ‘I’m not playing back to backs … I’m not injured, but I am sore, I’ll come in when I want to come in’… I’ll say this, respectfully Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right.
Shaquille O’Neal via NBA on TNT
Shaquille O’Neal’s comments pointed out a recurring narrative surrounding Joel Embiid’s career. While the talent is there, Shaq believes Embiid needs to develop a championship mindset and consistent work ethic. By publicly managing his minutes and games, Embiid may have inadvertently cast doubt on his dedication. It is something Shaq believes can impact a team’s morale.
"Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right" ?
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 13, 2024
Shaq gives his take on Embiid's first half performance and his future ?️ pic.twitter.com/GQJHHVPrfK
As the game wore on, Joel Embiid’s struggles continued. He ended the game with just 13 points on 2-of-11 shooting, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists in 26 minutes. His underwhelming performance ultimately contributed to the Sixers’ 12-point loss to New York. The 76ers superstar need to return to full health or else the team might not make the playoffs.
Joel Embiid remains out for 76ers versus Cavaliers
Following the disappointing loss, Joel Embiid sat out Philadelphia’s next game against the Cleveland Cavaliers due to ongoing knee management. This was the second game of a back-to-back, and it seems the team remained cautious about his knee’s recovery after the strain he suffered last season.
This rest is part of a larger injury management approach by the Sixers organisation. Alongside Joel Embiid, the 76ers also missed another critical player in Paul George. ESPN’s Shams Charania announced that both Embiid and George were out for the game against the unbeaten Cavaliers.
76ers’ Joel Embiid and Paul George are out against the Cavaliers tonight in second game of a back-to-back. Left knee injury management for both. pic.twitter.com/Q9GQvjipa3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 13, 2024
Tyrese Maxey, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, also missed the game. The injury report indicates Maxey will be re-evaluated in two weeks. Without Embiid, Maxey, and George, the Sixers suffered a 114-106 loss to the Cavaliers. So far, things have not worked in the 76ers’ favor. Only time will tell if they can change the season around.
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Armaan Gupta
(324 Articles Published)