Shaquille O'Neal Backs Joel Embiid for Dominant Season with 76ers

Shaquille O'Neal has voiced strong support for Joel Embiid ahead of the new NBA season, expressing confidence that the Philadelphia 76ers center will overcome his injury struggles. On "The Stephen A. Smith Show," O'Neal stated that he believes this could be the year Embiid finally stays healthy, a bold assertion given the player's past challenges with injuries.

O'Neal emphasized that it's time for Embiid to shine, predicting that he will dominate on the court this season. He stated, "Joel Embiid will be touted as the best big man in the league," suggesting that Embiid will surpass other top players, including Nikola Jokic.

Historically, Embiid has struggled to maintain consistent playing time, never appearing in more than 70 games in a season since entering the league in 2014. His recent seasons have seen him play just 39 games in 2023-24, 19 in 2024-25, and 38 last season, with a variety of injuries affecting his availability.

Despite these setbacks, Embiid has made a significant impact when on the floor, averaging over 30 points per game in three consecutive seasons from 2021 to 2024. He is a seven-time All-Star and won the MVP award for the 2022-23 season, helping keep the 76ers competitive in the playoffs.

With the addition of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown to the roster, the pressure is mounting on Embiid to deliver a full season and lead the team towards its elusive championship title, which has been absent for 44 years. If he can manage to stay healthy, O'Neal believes Embiid's performance will be pivotal for the 76ers' success.