If there’s one thing Shaquille O’Neal has never been afraid to do, it’s make a bold basketball prediction.
The Hall of Famer recently tossed out one that has NBA fans buzzing, saying he believes Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is about to remind everyone exactly who he is.
In fact, Shaq isn’t just predicting a good season—he thinks Embiid will finish the 2026-27 campaign as the best big man in basketball, overtaking three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
That’s a pretty spicy take considering Jokic has owned the conversation over the past few seasons. But if anyone knows what it takes to dominate the paint, it’s the four-time NBA champion known as “The Diesel.”
Speaking during an appearance on The Stephen A. Smith Show, Shaq didn’t hesitate.
He said it’s time for Embiid to step up, adding that he expects the big man to stay healthy, dominate the league, and pass “The Joker” as the NBA’s premier center.
Now, that’s classic Shaq—confident, direct, and never shy about putting a prediction out there.
Of course, the biggest question surrounding Embiid has never been talent. When he’s on the floor, he’s one of the most unstoppable players in basketball.
The challenge has simply been staying there.
Since winning the league MVP a few years ago, injuries have limited Embiid’s availability, keeping him from playing a full season and leaving Sixers fans holding their breath far too often.
This summer, though, there’s reason for optimism.
For the first time in quite a while, Embiid reportedly enters the offseason without recovering from surgery. That’s a huge change, and according to those close to the team, he’s been able to focus on conditioning and preparation instead of rehabilitation.
Even better? That improved health apparently played a role in one of the biggest NBA moves of the offseason.
LeBron James reportedly felt encouraged after talking extensively with Embiid before deciding to join Philadelphia. The conversations helped convince James that Embiid was ready to handle the demands of leading what many are already calling a new NBA superteam.
That’s about as strong a vote of confidence as you can get.
And let’s not forget—even during an injury-shortened season, Embiid still put up impressive numbers. Averaging nearly 27 points per game while shooting close to 50 percent isn’t exactly what most people would call a “down year.”
When healthy, he’s still one of the league’s most dominant offensive forces, capable of taking over games from anywhere on the floor.
Whether Shaq’s prediction comes true remains to be seen.
Nikola Jokic certainly won’t hand over his crown without a fight, and there are plenty of talented big men looking to crash the party as well.
But if Embiid finally enjoys the healthy season that has eluded him for years, Shaq’s prediction might not look so outrageous after all.
One thing’s for sure—when Shaquille O’Neal makes a bold call, the basketball world pays attention. And if Joel Embiid delivers on Shaq’s confidence, the race for the NBA’s best big man could become one of the most entertaining storylines of the season.