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NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal openly expresses his views on Philadelphia 76ers' star player, Joel Embiid

Basketball analyst Shaquille O'Neal criticizes 76ers' MVP center Joel Embiid, stating he can no longer endure the hard-nosed approach.

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal expresses candid opinions on Philadelphia 76ers' center Joel Embiid
NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal expresses candid opinions on Philadelphia 76ers' center Joel Embiid

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal openly expresses his views on Philadelphia 76ers' star player, Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers' star center, is gearing up for a crucial season after undergoing knee surgery in April 2025. The 31-year-old has had a challenging past two seasons, playing in only 58 regular-season games due to lingering injuries.

Embiid's injury woes have made him a target for criticism, particularly from Hall of Fame basketball player turned analyst, Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion, has been vocal about his concerns regarding Embiid's ability to handle tough criticism and his injury history.

However, Embiid's recent offseason activities suggest a positive change in his mental well-being. He has addressed decade-long trauma and sought peace, which could potentially translate into a strong comeback on the court.

The outcome of the 76ers' success in the 2025-26 season largely depends on Embiid's availability. Last season, the team missed the playoffs for the first time in seven seasons, largely due to Embiid's limited appearances.

When healthy, Embiid is still considered a top-five player in the NBA. His skillset, particularly as one of the most skilled centers in the modern NBA, is undeniable. If he can play most of the 2025-26 season, he may be named MVP again, as he was when he played 65+ games.

It's unknown if Embiid will be ready for the start of the 2025-26 season. Official NBA team announcements or press releases from the Philadelphia 76ers will provide more information about his return date.

In the meantime, Embiid has a chance to silence his critics with a dominant 2025-26 campaign. Whether he can overcome the challenges and prove his doubters wrong remains to be seen.

One thing is certain, though: the 2025-26 season promises to be an exciting one for the Philadelphia 76ers and their fans, with Embiid's return potentially marking a new chapter in the team's history.

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