“I’d be losing my mind…” Joel Embiid compared to Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘poor’ stint in Phoenix Suns by Bill Simmons

NBA star Joel Embiid's recent performance against the NY Knicks drew comparisons to the 2008 version of Shaquille O'Neal by Bill Simmons.

“I’d be losing my mind…” Joel Embiid compared to Shaquille O’Neal’s ‘poor’ stint in Phoenix Suns by Bill Simmons

Joel Embiid and Shaquille O'Neal

In recent years, the Philadelphia 76ers have endured one of their worst starts (2-8) in the NBA this 2024-25 season. After having the likes of stars like Paul George, Joel Embiid, and Tyrese Maxey, they are still underperforming in the league.

Embiid was recently singled out for his abysmal performance against the New York Knicks in an NBA cup match. Most recently, Kirk Goldsberry and Bill Simmons of The Ringer were two analysts who looked at Embiid’s lack of conditioning.

In the later years of his career, when extended periods on the court became unbearable, the two compared Embiid’s situation to Shaquille O’Neal. This was particularly true when O’Neal played for the Phoenix Suns and endured a poor stint during the later stages of his career.

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“Joel Embiid came back and played the New York Knicks and played for about five minutes and looked like he was going to keel over… What he looked like tonight, he’s in the 2008 Phoenix range.”

Bill Simmons said on the latest episode of ‘The Ringer’

In addition, Goldsberry continued by saying that Embiid’s performance was the worst he had ever witnessed, likening him to the 2008 version of O’Neal. As for Embiid, in his 13-point performance, the 76ers star center only made two of his 11 attempts.

In his season debut, the 7-footer was a shadow of his former self and appeared to be rather lethargic. That being said, Embiid has recently recovered from an unidentified injury. This has kept him out of the start of the 2024-25 NBA season.

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While it’s only one game, it is anticipated that he will take some time to get back to his older-self. However, Embiid will have to be at his flying best game-after-game. That is if he wants to keep the critics and naysayers quiet this season.

Joel Embiid opened up on his recovery after struggling against NY Knicks

Joel Embiid finally made his long-awaited return to the 2024-25 NBA season after missing three weeks. However, his return was not that great as he played against the New York Knicks in his season debut.

Embiid acknowledged it will take time to develop confidence in pushing off hard on his problematic left knee after a tumultuous 26-minute effort that included 13 points on 2-for-11 field goals (8-for-8 from the free throw line), three rebounds, five assists, and one block.

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“It’s all about confidence and trusting myself… Pushing off … I talked about it a couple weeks ago when I talked to you guys, that’s the mental hurdle that I got to get to. But I think I can still be pretty good even without that, which I’m going to get to at some point.”

After the game Joel Embiid told ESPN

The 76ers (2-8) had previously stated that they will put their veteran players’ health first throughout the season. However, that was also prior to their injury-plagued start.

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This is because Tyrese Maxey (hamstring strain), Paul George (bone bruise in left knee), and Embiid, all sustained injuries. Now, with Embiid back the 76ers will be hoping to steady their season after performing poorly up till now.