Shaquille O'Neal, AKA DJ Diesel, 76ers news (Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images) Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images

Shaquille O'Neal Has a Blunt Theory About Joel Embiid’s Toughness

Originally posted on Philadelphia 76ers on SI
By Geoffrey Knox | Last updated Jun 29, 2025 6:43 PM ET

The conversation has gone on for as long as most of us have been alive, the divide between the 'old-school' and 'new-school' philosophies. Who's the G.O.A.T.? Is it Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Why does every generation hate the next generation's music? When in the heck are the Philadelphia 76ers going to morph into some of those tough and gritty teams that we remember?

At some point, to bridge the gap between the young and old, the old school and the new school, someone must take it upon themselves to serve as some sort of bridge. That won't be happening today, not with this story. Don't blame the platform. Blame the great Shaquille O'Neal.

Shaq Questions Whether or Not Joel Embiid Could Have Played in his Era

It is seemingly unavoidable. Typically, when older and younger NBA fans share each other's company, the conversation transitions to a debate about different eras of basketball and which version is better.

The old school questions the new school's toughness. The new school questions the old school's desire to evolve. The original topic no longer matters as varying opinions take center stage in the discussion.

Rarely is common ground discovered. More often than not, neither side wants to bend. There is rarely a desire to find a connection. Instead, both sides opt for continuing competition.

Take Shaq, for instance. Recently, on an episode of The Big Podcast, the topic turned to whether or not Joel Embiid could have played in O'Neal's era. Shaq described a recent conversation where he told Joel to be more physical and play in the paint more often. Guess how that conversation turned out.

Shaq appears to disagree with the idea that Joel Embiid could have played in the same era as him and Zach Randolph

( @bigpodwithshaq / https://t.co/TEfeVcrxjo) pic.twitter.com/dy2wanIyol
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 20, 2025

And, with that, harmony between two feuding eras will have to wait for another day. Modern-day NBA players are credited for helping the game evolve into a more visually pleasing product. The older legends believe they would have crushed the news stars had they traveled back in time to their era.

Must Read: Daryl Morey Delivered Crucial Update on Joel Embiid's Injury Recovery

Maybe Shaq is right. Maybe Embiid should be more of a bully, but it's doubtful Joel is altering his game at this stage of his career.

Oh, and by the way... Yes... LeBron is awesome and one of the best of his era, but Michael Jordan is STILL the G.O.A.T. and always will be