Shaquille O’Neal Predicts Joel Embiid Will Surpass Nikola Jokic as NBA’s Best Big Man
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is slated to overtake Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic as the top-ranked big man in the NBA, according to Shaquille O’Neal. Speaking on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” O’Neal shifted his previous tone regarding Embiid’s playing style to endorse the former MVP’s upcoming campaign.
Did you know? The Philadelphia 76ers have not advanced past the second round of the NBA playoffs since 2001, when Allen Iverson carried the franchise to the finals.
Shifting Expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers
O’Neal previously criticized Embiid for shooting too many jumpers and not dominating in a way that O’Neal deems as “worthy”. However, O’Neal expressed renewed confidence during his media appearance, stating, according to “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” “I’m calling it out now. He’s gonna be healthy… Joel Embiid is going to dominate this year. You heard it here first. Joel Embiid will be titled the best big man in the league. He’s passing up the Joker this year. He’s going to work this year.”
This endorsement arrives as roster expectations mount in Philadelphia. With LeBron James joining the franchise, the pressure on Embiid to deliver a deep postseason run has intensified significantly. The franchise has not captured an NBA championship since Julius Erving and Moses Malone secured the title in 1983.
Health and Durability Concerns for Embiid
Sustaining success will require overcoming recent durability hurdles. Embiid has appeared in 39, 19, and 38 games respectively over the past three seasons, failing to surpass 39 appearances in any of those campaigns. Despite these absences, the 2023 MVP expressed optimism at the conclusion of the previous season regarding his physical outlook, noting he was able to figure out the knee injury.
As the upcoming schedule approaches, Embiid aims to leverage this physical recovery to anchor Philadelphia’s rotation alongside James, steering the team past historical playoff barriers.
Pro Tip for Fans
Keep a close eye on Embiid’s early-season minute restrictions and back-to-back availability, as managing his workload will be critical for a sustained playoff push.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Shaquille O’Neal say about Joel Embiid?
On “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Shaquille O’Neal predicted that a healthy Joel Embiid will dominate the upcoming season and surpass Nikola Jokic as the best big man in the NBA.
How many games has Joel Embiid played recently?
Embiid played 39, 19, and 38 games over the past three seasons, respectively.
When was the last time the Philadelphia 76ers won an NBA championship?
The Sixers won their last NBA title in 1983 under the leadership of Julius Erving and Moses Malone.
Join the Discussion: Do you think Joel Embiid can stay healthy and claim the title of the league’s best big man this season? Leave a comment below, share this article with fellow basketball fans, and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest NBA updates.
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