Shaquille O’Neal is betting big on Joel Embiid next season.
The Big Diesel expressed on Monday that he believes the Philadelphia 76ers star is due for a resurgence. Shaq appeared on “The Stephen A. Smith” show and spoke about the Sixers, who recently added a certain player named LeBron James.
Shaq stated that the arrival of James and Jaylen Brown meant it’s time for Embiid “to step up.” The 4-time champion then went on to predict that Embiid will squash the injury bug and “dominate” the league next season.
“He better take some Tylenol, take some shots. … I’ll tell you what. I’ll call it right now,” Shaq told Smith. “He’s going to be healthy this year.”
Shaq took things a step further by claiming the 76ers center will be the best player in the league at his position.
“Joel Embiid is going to dominate this year,” Shaq continued. “You heard it here first. Joel Embiid will be touted as the best big man in the league. He’s passing up the Joker this year. He’s going to work this year.”
Do you agree with Shaq on Joel Embiid this season? 🤔 pic.twitter.com/nOzWDsblYk
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) July 28, 2026
While Shaq knows more about the NBA game than virtually all armchair experts out there, it’s hard to take his claim seriously when it has to do with Embiid’s health.
Few have ever doubted Embiid’s talent. But the longtime 76ers franchise pillar has missed a total of 150 games over the last three seasons and has never played in 70+ games in any season throughout his career.
Shaq may have a doctorate, but the man is no medical doctor.
