Shaq Bows Down to Joel Embiid: ‘Best Center Alive’ – Fans Immediately Call It a Betrayal of Jokic!

In a league where debates about greatness never end, Shaquille O’Neal has just thrown gasoline on the fire. The Hall of Famer, four-time NBA champion, and one of the most dominant forces ever to play the game, went on record declaring that Joel Embiid is the best center in basketball today. Coming from Shaq, whose own career set the gold standard for dominance in the paint, this statement is not just another hot take—it’s a headline that has every fan, analyst, and rival player buzzing. But what does Shaq’s endorsement really mean? And is he right? Let’s break it down.

Shaq’s Standard of Dominance – Why His Words Carry Weight

When Shaquille O’Neal speaks about big men, people listen. During his prime, Shaq completely redefined what a center could be. His size, power, and agility crushed opponents, and his resume—**4 NBA titles, 15 All-Star appearances, 3 Finals MVPs, and a league MVP—**cements him as one of the greatest ever.

So when he calls Embiid the “best center in today’s game,” it’s not empty praise. It’s the stamp of approval from a legend who knows the position better than anyone else. Shaq has been notoriously critical of modern big men, often saying they are “too soft” or “don’t dominate enough.” That’s why his backing of Embiid is striking—he sees a reflection of himself in Embiid’s combination of size, skill, and dominance.

Joel Embiid’s Rise to NBA Supremacy

Joel Embiid’s journey hasn’t been smooth. Drafted in 2014, he missed his first two seasons with foot injuries. Many doubted whether he would ever live up to the hype. But once he stepped onto the court, it was clear: Embiid was a generational talent. Standing at 7 feet tall with a wingspan that seems endless, Embiid combines traditional post dominance with modern versatility.

He can back you down, spin for a hook shot, face up and hit a jumper, or even step out and knock down a three. Add in his defense—rim protection, rebounding, and elite shot contesting—and you get a two-way monster that very few teams can contain. The proof? Embiid won the 2023 NBA MVP, cementing himself as the centerpiece of the Philadelphia 76ers and one of the most unstoppable forces in the league.

Why Shaq Thinks Embiid Stands Alone

Shaq’s reasoning is simple: Embiid dominates in a way that reminds him of himself. In a modern NBA full of spacing, three-pointers, and smaller lineups, Embiid is a throwback to an era when the paint was sacred. He punishes mismatches, demands double-teams, and still finds ways to score.

What impresses Shaq most is not just Embiid’s skill, but his physicality—he doesn’t shy away from contact. Many centers today prefer finesse, but Embiid embraces the grind of battling inside. Shaq sees Embiid as the last true big man standing, someone who forces defenses to collapse, dictates pace, and bends the game around his presence. In Shaq’s eyes, this is what separates Embiid from the rest.

But What About Nikola Jokić?

Of course, Shaq’s claim immediately reignites the biggest debate in basketball: Embiid vs. Nikola Jokić. The Denver Nuggets superstar, fresh off multiple MVP awards and an NBA championship in 2023, is widely regarded as one of the most skilled big men ever. Jokić’s passing, basketball IQ, and ability to control the game from the center position are unmatched.

Many fans argue he is the best player in the world, not just the best center. So why would Shaq pick Embiid over Jokić? It comes down to style. Shaq values dominance in the paint, physical intimidation, and an inside-out scoring arsenal. While Jokić orchestrates like a point guard in a big man’s body, Embiid plays closer to Shaq’s DNA—a rim-destroying presence who can still stretch the floor. In short, Shaq believes Embiid’s approach mirrors the kind of center he once was, and that earns his respect.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Let’s look at the stats. During his MVP season, Embiid averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 54.8% from the field. He led the league in scoring, proving that despite the rise of guard-heavy offenses, a dominant big man can still rule. Defensively, his rim protection anchored the Sixers, making them one of the toughest teams in the East.

Compared to Jokić, who averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists while leading Denver to a title, the battle is razor-thin. Both players dominate in different ways—Jokić with finesse and vision, Embiid with power and versatility. But Shaq’s praise highlights that raw, overwhelming dominance still matters.

How Fans Reacted – Shockwaves Across NBA Twitter

The internet did what it always does—explode. As soon as Shaq’s comments hit, NBA Twitter lit up with debates, memes, and hot takes. Some fans cheered Shaq for finally giving Embiid the recognition he deserves.

Others argued he was disrespecting Jokić, who they believe is clearly superior. Some even claimed Shaq was showing bias toward a player who plays more like him. But here’s the truth: any time Shaq speaks, the conversation grows louder. His stamp of approval has now thrown gasoline on the already heated Embiid vs. Jokić rivalry, ensuring it remains the NBA’s defining debate for years to come.

The Legacy Angle – Why Shaq Wants More from Big Men

Shaquille O’Neal has long lamented the decline of dominant centers. Since his retirement, the league has shifted toward guards and wings. Superstars like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have defined the era. But Shaq has always insisted that the game is better when big men dominate.

That’s why his praise of Embiid isn’t just about one player—it’s about reviving the culture of the center position. To Shaq, Embiid represents hope: a modern player who proves that a true center can still be the best player on the court. His statement is as much a challenge as it is a compliment. By crowning Embiid, Shaq is calling on the rest of the league’s big men to step up and reclaim the paint.

The Pressure on Embiid – Can He Deliver in the Playoffs?

There’s one massive caveat to all of this: the playoffs. For all of Embiid’s dominance in the regular season, critics point out his struggles in the postseason. Injuries, fatigue, and tough defenses have repeatedly derailed his playoff runs. The Sixers have not made it past the second round during his tenure, and that stain lingers.

Shaq himself was often judged by his playoff dominance—winning titles, not just MVPs. That’s why some analysts argue Embiid can’t truly be crowned the best until he delivers deep into May and June. Shaq’s praise sets a high bar. If Embiid is the best center, he needs to prove it on the biggest stage.

The Bigger Picture – How This Shapes the NBA Narrative

In today’s NBA, narratives drive everything—MVP debates, All-NBA selections, even legacies. Shaq’s endorsement shifts the spotlight. Suddenly, every Embiid vs. Jokić matchup feels bigger. Every playoff run will be judged against Shaq’s statement. And every time Embiid dominates, fans will say: “Shaq was right.” Conversely, every playoff disappointment will echo louder because of the expectation. For Embiid, this is both a blessing and a curse. The recognition is huge, but the pressure is immense. Yet that’s what greatness requires—the ability to carry not just your team, but the weight of expectation.

So, Who’s Really the Best Center in the NBA?

Here’s the truth: there might not be a definitive answer. Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokić are rewriting the rulebook for what a center can be. Both are historically great in their own ways. Shaq’s take matters because it reveals his values—dominance, intimidation, and old-school big man play. But fans who prefer versatility, finesse, and championship results might still lean toward Jokić. In reality, the NBA is blessed to have two giants pushing each other to new heights. This rivalry isn’t just about awards—it’s about shaping the future of the game.

Final Word – Why Shaq’s Statement Will Keep Echoing

Shaquille O’Neal didn’t just give Joel Embiid a compliment—he handed him a torch. By declaring him the best center today, Shaq is saying Embiid represents the continuation of a legacy that stretches from Wilt Chamberlain to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, from Hakeem Olajuwon to Shaq himself. That’s no small thing. Embiid now carries the expectations not only of Sixers fans but of every old-school basketball purist who believes in the power of the big man. The only question left is: can Embiid live up to it when it matters most?