8 Months After Criticizing Joel Embiid’s Lack of Paint Presence, Shaquille O’Neal Showcases Getting Compared to the 76ers Center by Paul George

was a one of a kind force of nature on the basketball court during his playing days. While no center has been able to replicate the Hall of Famer’s seismic impact, O’Neal seems to agree, with , that reigning NBA MVP is the closest version of him in today’s game. Interestingly, eight months back, Shaq also criticized the Cameroonian athlete for his lack of plays on the paint.

Advertisement However, when George posted the similarities between the two, O’Neal seemed to agree with him, Advertisement Loading embed tweet https://twitter.com/NBACelebsUpdate/status/1745300083070103802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw George is spot on. Like O’Neal, Embiid has the physical tools to dominate a smaller defender and has the agility and skillset to whiz past a defender of his size and stature.

The three time Finals MVP was a physical behemoth but was fleet footed in the paint, making him almost impossible to guard one on one. Embiid’s shooting prowess is far superior to Shaq’s, but the icon was significantly better in the low post. The duo is similar in many ways but also have unique characteristics that make them stand out.

However, Shaq has criticized Embiid as well, on certain occasions. Shaquille O’Neal’s criticism works on Joel Embiid In the 2023 off season, Shaquille O’Neal criticized Joel Embiid for not using his size to his advantage in the low post. In an appearance on ‘The Rich Eisen Show’, he said, Advertisement Embiid paid attention to O’Neal’s criticism.

The 76ers superstar is now attempting a career high 18.5 shots from inside the arc. He’s attempted only 3.2 three pointers per game, the joint third lowest mark of his career. The results are also evident. Embiid is averaging a career high 34.6 points per game, drawing fouls easily and attempting a career high 11.6 free throws per game.

Having seen Embiid win the NBA MVP award and average massive numbers, O’Neal handed out another challenge to the 76ers superstar. Drawing from his own experience, he said on the Big Podcast with Shaq, Loading embed tweet https://twitter.com/bigpodwithshaq/status/1745227610114625999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw O’Neal went on to win four NBA titles, leading the Lakers to a three peat, and won the Finals MVP award thrice.

Now, fans would be hoping for Embiid to emulate Shaq in these achievements as well. The NBA on TNT analyst’s attempt at irking the reigning MVP has already worked once. 76ers fans will hope it works for a second time and their superstar center leads them to an NBA title. Advertisement.