Sixers news: Joel Embiid's lightbulb moment after Shaq's harsh criticism

Sixers big man Joel Embiid had the perfect response to Shaquille O'Neals previous criticism about him in a recent interview about his MVP season.

Sixers star center Joel Embiid said his motivation to be the best player in the league came from Shaquille O'Neal.

The “Big Diesel” and Charles Barkley were among the analysts to call upon Embiid to be better and join the ranks of the elite.

Embiid told Shams Charania of Stadium and The Athletic he took those constructive criticisms to heart, especially pointing out Shaq's words as an eye-opening moment in terms of his ability to “be that guy.”

76ers star Joel Embiid sits down with @Stadium: “There’s no doubt (I’m MVP). I’ve been dominant all season. I’m not going to stop.” On motivation from feeling disrespected and frustrated last season, Shaq’s criticism “opened my eyes to actually realize that I can be that guy.” pic.twitter.com/Ud3O2APOkV

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 22, 2021

Some of the stars in today's game choose to ignore O'Neal and Barkley as mouthpiece types. But the Sixers big man wanted to heed the words of a guy who is one of the best centers in NBA history.

One of O'Neal's past criticisms of Embiid included the notion he was settling for too many jumpers. The four-time All-Star is averaging the fewest three-point attempts per game (3.1) of his career but is making triples at a more efficient clip (38.7 percent).

Embiid has been more intent on taking defenders into the post and either using his skill on the low block to get to the basket (career-high 11.8 free throws per game) or facing up and knock down midrange jumpers. He is routinely exploiting matchups and making plays for his Sixers teammates when opponents send a help defender.

Shaq undoubtedly appreciates Embiid's newfound commitment to playing a more traditional style as a big man. After all, O'Neal followed in the trend of back-to-basket bigs who sought to impose their will on the low block.

In any event, Embiid has put together an MVP-caliber season and has helped to guide the Sixers to the top seed in the Eastern Conference. He admits Sixers fans can thank Shaq, at least in part, for his elevated play this season.