Shaquille O’Neal has expressed frustration over Joel Embiid’s attitude, stating that the Philadelphia 76ers star needs to show more desire if he hopes to win a championship.
O’Neal’s blunt assessment came at halftime of the Sixers’ game against the New York Knicks, after Embiid managed only eight points in the first two quarters, all of which came from the free-throw line.
Embiid was 0-for-3 from the field in the opening half. Shaq was clearly unimpressed with the NBA star’s performance, especially after the big man stated previously that he planned to rest during back-to-back games to preserve his health for the playoffs.
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O’Neal did not hold back in his critique and asked for more desire from the Philadelphia 76ers star.
"Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right" ????
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 13, 2024
Shaq gives his take on Embiid's first half performance and his future ????️ pic.twitter.com/GQJHHVPrfK
“This is the fear I had for Joel Embiid,” O’Neal said during the halftime broadcast on TNT. “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.”
Over the last months, O’Neal has been a vocal critic of Embiid and reiterated that the Sixers’ star must adjust his mentality and attitude on the court if he wants to secure an NBA title.
“Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and attitude right,” Shaq added.
Embiid’s performance did not improve significantly after the break despite Shaq’s critique. He completed the game with 13 points on 2-for-6 shooting, along with five assists, as the Sixers lost 111-99 to the Knicks.
After the game, Embiid stated that he felt healthy but also revealed he was a bit timid in his season debut.
"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."
— PHLY Sixers (@PHLY_Sixers) November 13, 2024
"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
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The Sixers will face the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday in a back-to-back clash which has now raised questions about whether Embiid will take the court given his recent comments about resting.
