Shaq On How To Handle Embiid, What We Need From Ben Simmons, And A Matchup He Cant Wait For
Former NBA MVP Shaquille O’Neal joined the John Kincade show a day after the Sixers dominated the Celtics in a 106-96 victory. Shaq described the game as “old school basketball” and loved what the Sixers were doing. He also loved what Joel Embiid gave them as the big man went for 35 points. But with the Sixers gearing up for the playoffs a big question on many Sixers fans’ mind is how to handle Joel Embiid’s minutes so hes ready to go for the playoffs. But Shaq doesn’t think you DO manage Embiid.
“You don’t (manage Embiid.) You want him going 32-33 minutes per game. Hes not being double teamed. Hes not getting hacked. Your body doesn’t get worn down from running. It gets worn down from the bumping and grinding.”
There is also the issue of Ben Simmons, who has struggled as of late. He still dominates on the defense floor, but offensively he hasn’t been himself. Shaq needs to see more.
“(Ben) needs to be 22-23 PPG in the playoffs for the Sixers to go to the finals. The more aggressive Ben Simmons is the easier itll be for guys like Tobias Harris.”
He also spoke about a matchup he cant wait for in the playoffs. AND an incredible story about how he got his deal with Icy Hot. Check out the full interview below!
