It is public knowledge that the public, outside of most heads in Philly, is not too endearing when it comes to Joel Embiid. Over his career, the Philadelphia 76ers superstar has been a highly divisive figure, thanks in large part to his extensive injury history and dominant skill set, which necessarily includes a crafty foul-drawing game.
Aside from reactive fans and pundits, even those people on the pedestal have not shied away from slighting Embiid in whatever way they can. Just early in the season, a slew of “analysts” called him out for allegedly misisng games for pure leisure. And who can forget about the NBA’s sketchy stance on the 2023 Most Valuable Player on two, separate occasions no less?
Going more specific, one notable person who has routinely thrown shade on Embiid is Shaquille O’Neal, a frequent hater on most contemporary big men. During Embiid’s first game back from injury management this season, the Hall of Famer wasted no time doubting his commitment to winning, unerringly claiming that he will never win a championship.
Big statement from a guy carried by two other Hall of Famers en route to four NBA championships, huh?
Former 76ers center Dwight Howard absolutely cooks Shaq on social media
Another player whom Shaq had has a one-sided beef with for quite some time now is former 76ers center and future Hall of Famer Dwight Howard. Last night, both of them took their kerfuffle to social media, with Shaq reacting negatively to Howard’s recent remarks about him on a podcast.
@DwightHoward the fact u think I care about u is funny, but I won’t ever bring your name up again sensitive big man, a jokester that can’t take a joke. Won’t ever say your name again ever again. Have a great day and now u have been deleted. Have a great day. #inevercared #trustme…
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 7, 2025
Naturally, Howard did not back down from O’Neal’s provocation, publicly responding to him with an all-time rant much to the public’s delight.
I know you care. Cuz yo insecure ass been hating and talking shit for 20 years. You to big to be this insecure. I hope you don’t bring my name up again. 52 years old tweeting me. And still hating. Now all this time you was joking. You always been jealous. Jealous of Kobe,…
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) January 7, 2025
This one is apparently still ongoing as of writing, although Howard subsequently tried to downplay the situation by flattering Shaq and inviting him to a podcast to settle their differences, which remains unheeded at the moment.
It is certainly refreshing to see the former 76ers big man put Shaq in his place. While he is undoubtedly one of the best players the sport has ever seen, he has gotten way too much leeway talking smack on current and former players while couched in his platform and huge following.
Joel Embiid will probably never stoop down to O’Neal’s level should he be on the receiving end of what Howard got from the Hall of Famer, but count on the Philadelphia 76ers superstar to not back down either, whether verbally or by simply killing it on the hardwood.