Shaquille O'Neal has frequently offered blunt, challenging commentary regarding Joel Embiid, publicly urging the star center to elevate his conditioning, maintain his health, and reassert his dominance on the hardwood. While acknowledging Embiid's incredible talent as a former MVP, Shaq has occasionally critiqued his availability and consistency, explaining that his tough-love evaluations are intentionally designed to motivate the Philadelphia big man to reclaim his status among the undisputed elite players in the league.