Since retiring from professional ball, Shaquille O'Neal has become known for his relentless criticism of big men. He has targeted the likes of JaVale McGee and Dwight Howard for their seemingly putting the center position to shame.
Shaq wants the new generation of big men to be rough and tough just like him.
In a recent interview with Hoops Hype, the four-time NBA champ said he intends to temper his criticism of fellow bigs. He has no reason to give out tough love because one has figured it out, one is too young, and the other has no capacity to digest criticism.
"The big that I would be tough on is the Joker, but he's the best center in the league. So I have to say nothing to him. And he has a championship, which means he knows what it takes," Shaq said . "So I don't have to say anything to him. Wemby, he's still in that baby era. I try to be tough on Joel (Embiid), but apparently he can't take it. So I'll probably have to delete him from my program."
O'Neal was referring to the time when he told Joel Embiid to be more assertive in the paint. Shaq suggested that the Philadelphia 76ers center punish his foes every time he got the ball. To Diesel's surprise, Embiid responded: "Guys don't play like that no more."
It was a slap to the face of the most dominant player in history. During his prime, O'Neal wreaked havoc on defenses and pounded his opponents. NBA rosters were tweaked just so they could stop the Big Diesel. Contending teams had to sign big players not necessarily for their talent, but just so they could foul Shaq and send him to the line.
Shaq's philosophy was simple: utilize your assets. Embiid stands 7'0" and is close to 300 pounds. There's literally no one like him in the NBA. It only makes sense for him to bully his foes in the paint.
Embiid's unwillingness to bang in the paint is just one aspect that Shaq dislikes. The former Los Angeles Lakers center also loathes the Cameroonian's poor leadership skills, a sentiment echoed by Charles Barkley .
Joel has repeatedly stated his reluctance to play in back-to-back games. Shaq and Chuck have been in Embiid's position, and never in their careers did they show any sign of weakness. In their view, leaders always show up.
"You're one of the three, four, or five best players in the world. You cannot say, as a leader of that team, 'I'm not going to play certain games.' That's not the way to start the season," Barkley said .
"Now, if you start the season and get some bumps and bruises, fine. But as the best player on that team and the leader, I would never go into a season saying, 'I'm not going to play back-to-back games.' I thought that was a bad message," Chuck concluded.
Will Embiid ever follow Shaq's advice? Will the Sixers star finally utilize his heft and strength in the paint? Will he finally act like a true leader? Or will he continue jacking up shots from the outside and sit out some games? It's still a matter of wait-and-see.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 18, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
