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Naming Luka Doncic and Jayson Tatum as MVP Favorites, Shaquille O’Neal Shows “No Empathy” for Joel Embiid with a Hard to Swallow Pill

Published 11/27/2022, 4:50 PM EST

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Over the last few seasons, Joel Embiid has asserted himself as arguably the best all-around center in the NBA. ‘The Process’ is one of the faces of the league, leading the Philadelphia 76ers. Last season the 28-year unleashed his best. However, his insane production and scoring title wasn’t enough to bag the MVP honors. Unfortunately, this season has unfolded a similar story as well. Injuries have kept the Philly superstar from exploding this season playing just 12 games. Defending the big man territory, Shaquille O’Neal gave Embiid the hard truth and tips for finding his motivation this season.

Even before the season began, Joel Embiid was dealing with injuries to his thumb. The reigning scoring champion played his first few games battling the injury which made for a slow start. However, after taking a few games off, Embiid was back, this time healthy. He scored over 30 points in five of the last six games he played for the Philadelphia 76ers. It’s safe to say, MVP Embiid was back in business.

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However, just as the center was taking off for the season, a foot sprain interrupted his dominant run. With his limited game time, Embiid is not a part of the MVP ladder. Commenting on the candidates in contention, Shaquille O’Neal gave the Sixers center a piece of his mind. Notably, a newfound attitude to dominate the NBA once again.

Shaquille O’Neal gives advice to Joel Embiid

As far as this season goes, the early MVP favorites are two under-25 superstars, Jayson Tatum and Luka Doncic. The Dallas Mavericks All-Star is having a career-defining season so far. Doncic is leading the league in scoring, putting up 33.4 points per game. Moreover, he is breaking records set by the likes of Michael Jordan. On the other hand, Tatum has all the narratives in his favor. The Boston Celtics forward is the best player on the best team in the NBA. Evolving as a stellar two-way force, he is currently the favorite option for the award.

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Surprisingly, Joel Embiid isn’t even a top 10 candidate for the MVP honors so far into the season. During the latest episode of his podcast, the Big Diesel, a long-standing advocate of The Process spoke about his season. According to Shaq, Embiid needs to play with a determination to show the league they made the wrong choice last season. Moreover, the five-time NBA champion wants the 28-year-old to go for the all-time greatest crown.

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Shaquille O’Neal said: “Some people want to be one of the best and some people want to be the best.” He continued, “If he wants to be one of the best, that’s fine with me. But I think his attitude should be ‘No I want to be the best big man ever.'” The Big Aristotle boldly proclaimed that he intends to show “no empathy” for the Philly center. And that attitude should be his best motivation to perform this season.

USA Today via Reuters

The Big Diesel speaks from experience. During his time on the court, Shaq was probably the most unstoppable force in the history of the game. Superman descended upon the NBA from the first moment he stepped on the floor. Moreover, the powerful freak of nature played with a determination to be the most dominant player of all time. Today, the debate circles around just himself and Wilt Chamberlain. However, with over 28k points and five rings, many even consider Shaquille O’Neal to be the best center of all time.

So does Joel Embiid have the tools to become the GOAT center?

Can The Process become The Greatest?

Embiid is the prime example of a modern-day big man. Long gone are the days centers had to stay in the paint. The 28-year-old has changed the mindset behind his position. His offensive skillset is among the best in the entire league. While being a confident ball handler, Embiid is a three-dimensional scorer. So far, the Philadelphia 76ers superstar is averaging 32. 2 points and 10.1 rebounds in 12 contests.

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However, it isn’t just his offensive reputation that makes him lethal. Notably, The Process is a defensive nightmare with the ability to challenge anyone at the rim. During his early years, Embiid was in the running for the Defensive Player of The Year. Averaging close to 2 blocks per season, the 28-year-old might have one of the most unique skill sets for a center.

Still young in his NBA career, Embiid has just entered his prime. Currently ranking as one of the best players in the NBA, his potential might have no ceiling.

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Watch This Story – 5 months after ex-wife Shaunie’s wedding, Shaquille O’Neal moves on with a big confession on future family

Do you think if Joel Embiid continues to improve, he can be the greatest center of all time? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Satagni Sikder