Shaq Says Embiid Will Surpass Jokic Next Season
Shaquille O'Neal has boldly predicted that Joel Embiid will become the NBA's best big man next season, outperforming Nikola Jokic.
During an appearance on Stephen A. Smith's show, NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal made a daring statement, claiming that Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will be the best player at his position in the upcoming season. O'Neal, known for his harsh critiques of modern centers, was highly complimentary of Embiid's abilities and his team's new roster.
Despite Embiid missing 180 out of 410 regular-season games over the past five seasons, O'Neal believes the Cameroon-born big man will stay healthy enough to lead his team to a championship. "He was injured last season. Let him take some Tylenol. I think this season he'll be healthy. You heard it here first – Embiid will dominate and become the best big man in the league, surpassing [Nikola] Jokic," O'Neal said.
Embiid returned last season after knee surgery, which also caused him to miss most of the 2024/25 campaign. Although he managed to get back on the court, it was evident he was playing through discomfort. In 38 regular-season games, he averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds.
