Joel Embiid’s 2024-2025 season with the Philadelphia 76ers has been far from the dominant display that many fans and analysts expected from the reigning MVP.
The team, which entered the season with championship aspirations, has struggled to find its rhythm, and Embiid’s performances have become a focal point of the criticism. After a disappointing 111-99 loss to the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup’s first round, legendary center Shaquille O’Neal delivered a blunt and stern warning to Embiid about his future in the NBA.
O’Neal, who has never shied away from voicing his opinions, was particularly critical of Embiid’s mindset and approach to the game. At halftime of the loss to the Knicks, during which Embiid had a lackluster 0-for-3 shooting performance, Shaq didn’t mince words. “Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and attitude right,” O’Neal declared on Inside the NBA. His words echoed the frustration that many have felt watching Embiid struggle to live up to his immense potential, especially in big moments.
The 30-year-old center’s early-season struggles have been marked by inconsistency, and O’Neal pointed directly to Embiid’s approach to the game as a key factor. Specifically, O’Neal took issue with Embiid’s decision to skip back-to-back games, something the MVP has done in the past while citing soreness rather than injury. “In New York, it’s a tough team to play. But this was the fear I had for Joel Embiid. You announce arrogantly, ‘I’m not playing back-to-backs. I’m not injured, but I’m sore. I’ll come back when I want to come back,’” O’Neal said, referencing Embiid’s previous comments about his approach to managing his health.
O’Neal continued, highlighting the expectations that come with such statements. “Now, when you say things like that, you’re supposed to come back with extra energy,” he added. O’Neal, drawing on his own playing experience, shared his perspective on how he would have handled such a situation. “0-3, I would have been 0-15. But you know what y’all would have said, ‘Hey, Shaq’s not playing well, but he’s playing aggressive,’” O’Neal remarked. His words underscored a key concern: that Embiid’s mindset and energy levels are not always matching the expectations of a superstar who has been touted as the cornerstone of the 76ers’ future.
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As the game unfolded, Embiid’s struggles continued. He finished with just 13 points on a paltry 18.2% shooting from the field, further exacerbating the 76ers’ inability to compete with the Knicks. While Embiid’s raw numbers are still impressive by most standards, his inefficient shooting performance in critical moments left much to be desired. The 76ers needed more from their star, and his inability to elevate his play under pressure raised serious questions about his leadership and mental toughness.
This is not the first time O’Neal has been critical of Embiid, and his previous remarks on The BIG Podcast earlier this season only reinforce his concerns. O’Neal had previously called out Embiid for his reluctance to play back-to-back games, a decision that raised eyebrows among many, given Embiid’s importance to the 76ers’ success. Shaq’s comments have become a recurring theme this season, as he continues to challenge Embiid to step up and take ownership of the team’s struggles.
Despite the mounting criticism, Embiid still has the support of his teammates. Paul George, a key player for the 76ers, voiced confidence that Embiid would find his rhythm and bounce back. “He is the piece. He is The Process. I think he just finds his way, as he should,” George said in an interview with The New York Times. George’s unwavering support for Embiid’s abilities is crucial, as the 76ers will need their MVP-caliber center to step up and lead them through a challenging season.
George also dismissed the notion that Embiid is under additional pressure to perform. “I don’t think there’s pressure for him to do anything extra. He’ll find his rhythm as the games go on, as we learn how to play off of him and play around him,” George added. His comments reflect the belief that Embiid’s struggles are part of a process and that the team’s success hinges not only on Embiid’s individual play but also on the collective development of team chemistry.
While George’s faith in Embiid is apparent, the reality remains that the 76ers need their star center to perform at a higher level—particularly in clutch moments. Philadelphia has yet to see the type of dominant, consistent performances from Embiid that can carry them deep into the playoffs. The pressure is mounting on Embiid to not only lead with his scoring but also to be more impactful in terms of leadership, mentality, and attitude.
The criticisms of Embiid are not unfounded, and while his talent is undeniable, his mental approach to the game will play a major role in his ability to lead the 76ers to a championship. O’Neal’s comments, while harsh, are meant to push Embiid to take the necessary steps toward unlocking his full potential. As one of the NBA’s all-time greats, Shaq understands the demands of being a superstar, and his message is clear: greatness requires more than just physical talent; it requires the right mindset.
As the season progresses, Embiid will need to reflect on the criticism and adjust his approach. If the 76ers are to fulfill their championship aspirations, they will need a more engaged, consistent, and mentally focused version of Embiid—one that can step up in the biggest moments and lead by example. Shaquille O’Neal’s warning is a wake-up call, and the ball is now in Embiid’s court to prove that he can rise to the challenge.
For the 76ers, the stakes are high. The team has invested in Embiid as their franchise player, and his ability to overcome these mental hurdles could define their season. With the backing of teammates like Paul George and the support of the fanbase, Embiid has the opportunity to silence his critics and show that he can lead the 76ers to success. The question remains: will he answer the call?