Shaquille O’Neal is keeping his foot on the gas when it comes to Joel Embiid … continuing to go after the Philadelphia 76ers superstar and saying if he doesn’t make some serious changes, he’ll never win a championship.
Shaq’s blunt assessment came during halftime of the Sixers’ matchup with the New York Knicks … after Embiid put up eight points through two quarters — all of which came from the free-throw line, as he was 0-3 from the field.
Diesel was clearly unpleased with Embiid’s season debut — especially after the big man expressed his desire to take games off to preserve his health for the playoffs — and didn’t sugarcoat how he felt on the whole situation.
“Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right” 👀
Shaq gives his take on Embiid’s first half performance and his future 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/GQJHHVPrfK
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 13, 2024
@NBAonTNT
“This is the fear I had for Joel Embiid,” Shaq said on the “NBA on TNT” desk. “You announce arrogantly, ‘I’m not playing back-to-backs, Ernie. I’m not injured, but I’m sore. I come here when I wanna come back.’ Now, when you say things like that, you are supposed to come back with extra energy.”
Shaq — who hasn’t shied away from criticizing No. 21 — clearly feels the plan isn’t working … and if Embiid doesn’t put the work in to change his mentality, he’ll finish his career without a ring.
“Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and attitude right,” Shaq said.
Shaq’s words didn’t have an immediate impact on Embiid’s game … cause he ended up 2-for-6 from the field with 13 points and five assists in the 111-99 loss.
“I was a little timid when it came to attacking. But I expected it. I just knew that pushing off [on the knee]…that’s the mental hurdle that I gotta get to.”
“I felt pretty good, health wise. I think it’s just about trusting myself.”
Joel Embiid talks about the mental aspect… pic.twitter.com/BgKKzIYwVs
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) November 13, 2024
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After the contest, Embiid said he was good health-wise, but admitted he felt a bit timid in his first outing of the season.
The Sixers will now face the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday — a back-to-back — so it’ll be interesting to see if the face of the franchise will take the court.