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‘No, not LeBron’: Shaquille O’Neal says 76ers ‘will not win’ if one player doesn’t perform

Shaquille O’Neal believes that Joel Embiid will be the Philadelphia 76ers’ most important player in the NBA this season. Nick Nurse has recruited well and built a fantastic roster, and they kicked off the new season with a great win…

Yard Barker

Published: Thursday, 22 October 2026 at 10:15 AM

Key Things to Know

Shaquille O'Neal stated that the Philadelphia 76ers will not win a championship if Joel Embiid does not perform.
O'Neal dismissed Charles Barkley's arguments focusing on the importance of LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers began their regular season with a victory against the New York Knicks.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Shaquille O'Neal stated on Inside the NBA that the Philadelphia 76ers will not win an NBA championship without Joel Embiid performing at his best. During a debate with Charles Barkley, O'Neal emphasized that despite the presence of star teammates, Embiid remains the essential key to the team's title hopes.

The 76ers opened their season with a victory against the New York Knicks, featuring a lineup that includes Embiid, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. While Barkley argued for the importance of other stars, O'Neal maintained that Philadelphia cannot succeed without Embiid playing at his highest level.

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‘No, not LeBron’: Shaquille O’Neal says 76ers ‘will not win’ if one player doesn’t perform

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