Shaquille O’Neal RIPS ‘soft’ Joel Embiid for not playing back-to-back games

Shaquille O'Neal criticizes Joel Embiid's decision to sit out back-to-back games amid 76ers' championship hopes.

Shaquille O’Neal RIPS ‘soft’ Joel Embiid for not playing back-to-back games

Shaquille O’Neal criticizes Joel Embiid

Former MVP Joel Embiid stirred up controversy when he announced that he would no longer play in back-to-back games. Retired players or fans have liked this approach from the Paris Olympic gold medal winner. This led to Shaquille O’Neal questioning the controversial approach.

It is not new that Joel Embiid’s health issues have been a concern for the Philadelphia 76ers. The team remains very much eager to win with their star player. It is a situation that didn’t go well with Charles Barkley, and now Shaquille O’Neal blasted the 76ers star player.

You have to want to be that guy, and with his statements the other day I don’t think Joel Embiid wants to be that guy. I actually want him to take it personal. You can’t come out before the season and say, ‘I’m not playing back-to-backs.’ S-O-F-T. I want the smoke, it ain’t Magic’s city no more.

Shaquille O’Neal on his podcast
YouTube video

Despite his health concerns, Embiid has remained a dominant force. He averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game last season. The 76ers’ offseason trade for Paul George aims to bolster their chances of winning.

FS Video

Embiid, George, Tyrese Maxey, and the 76ers are poised to contend in the Eastern Conference. However, Embiid’s limited availability may hinder their chances of going deep into the playoffs. If that happens again, the scrutiny he faces will only increase.

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Nick Nurse addresses Joel Embiid’s resting plan amid NBA investigation

As the incident unfolded, the Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse fielded questions about Joel Embiid’s absence before the team’s season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. Nurse’s comments came amidst reports of an NBA investigation into the way the 76ers’ handled Embiid’s absence.

I don’t have any thoughts on it. Nobody from our organization has said anything to me about that. As far as the investigation, I don’t really know.

Coach Nick Nurse said to the media

However, when he spoke to the media, he did not provide a timeline for Embiid’s return. The coach only stated that the team is focused on preserving his health for the postseason. Embiid’s resting plan aims at preventing injuries after he played in just 39 games last season due to a knee injury.

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The NBA’s investigation may result in fines for the 76ers. According to reports, it may range from $100,000 to over $1 million. While the 76ers lost their opening game against the Bucks, it’s still early days, as there’s much to play for ahead.