Shaq will have none of it. Possible comparisons between him and Kobe Bryant and the new pairing in Philadelphia, Joel Embiid and James Harden. Absolutely none of it.
On the most recent episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq (as of this writing), podcast co-host Anthony “Spice” Adams asked the Lakers legend if he’s “willing to crown Embiid and Harden the next Shaq and Kobe.”
Shaq had a powerful and unequivocal “No” for his response (that means there was no beating around the bush). Adams pushed a little harder, asking if the new duo in the City of Brotherly Love even had the potential to reach his and Kobe’s level one day. “Not at all,” Shaq replied.
Big Podcast co-host Nischelle Turner reminded the audience that Hardin and Embiid were (and are) already well-established players in the league when they came together in Philadelphia. She said that Kobe was “just a kid” and Shaq was the new star big man in the league. That they came together at the start of their careers (not counting Shaq’s couple of seasons in Orlando), and grew together over the years.
Adams asked Shaq if Hardin, Embiid and Philadelphia won a couple of NBA Championships, would O’Neal put them into the Shaq-and-Kobe conversation. “We won three out of four,” Shaq continued. “No. No. Hell, no. Not after one year. Me and Kobe had eight years of damage together. No, not even close. Stop it. Listen, N-No, H-No and F- No.”
All the podcast talk was probably just that – talk. No true hoops fans are ready now – and probably never will be – ready to put Embiid and Harden on the same pedestal as Shaq and Kobe.
That pair is generally considered to be one of the greatest, most powerful pairings ever seen in the NBA. Together, O’Neal and Bryant won three consecutive titles from 2000 to 2002, establishing their case as the most dominant one-two punch of the decade (if not longer).
Still, to their credit, Embiid and Harden are already making a splash and showing some strength. As of this post, the Sixers have played five games with their new man Harden, and Philly has won them all. Embiid is averaging 32.6 points per game and 10.8 rebounds per game, while Harden has put up good numbers, to – 24.6 average points per game along with 12.4 assists.
Only time will tell if Harden’s move to Philadelphia will lead to Championship greatness. To listen to the full podcast, check it out here: https://www.complex.com/sports/shaquille-oneal-shuts-down-people-comparing-joel-embiid-james-harden-him-and-kobe-bryant