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NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal Puts Joel Embiid on Blast After Slow Start vs. Knicks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Gerard Angelo Samillano | Last updated Nov 12, 2024 9:37 PM ET

Joel Embiid made a controversial statement a month ago. The Philadelphia 76ers star said that he will probably not play in back-to-backs this season. While this decision was supported and heavily endorsed by the team, it caused significant backlash amongst fans.

On Tuesday, Embiid made his return to the court against the New York Knicks after missing the first nine games of the season. It was clear that Embiid was rusty in his first game back, making none of his three attempts in the first quarter.

While some might understand Embiid's struggles as he's just returning to play, others are already putting the 76ers star on blast. NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal said that this was his concern after Embiid made his comments.

"This is my fear for Joel Embiid," O'Neal said on "Inside the NBA". "When you say things like that, you're supposed to come out with extra energy... Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right."

"You're supposed to come out with extra energy... Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right."

Shaq on Joel Embiid's first half vs the Knicks

(via @NBAonTNT)pic.twitter.com/Z4Yps4LaLa
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 13, 2024

Embiid and the 76ers' decision to rest the star in back-to-backs stems from his lengthy injury history. The former third-overall pick has dealt with a litany of injuries in his career, including some leg injuries. The Sixers are taking a page out of the Los Angeles Clippers playbook and resting Embiid in the regular season to keep him fresh for a playoff run.

Naturally, this decision sparked some backlash amongst fans and former players. Many old-school fans in the game, who weren't fans of the "load management" movement in the first place, did not like Embiid saying the quiet part out loud.

Regardless, that's the decision that both Embiid and the Sixers have reached to maximize their chances. They are hoping that Embiid's return gets them out of the 2-7 hole they find themselves in to start the year.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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