Shaq says Embiid will stay healthy and dominate top big man

As the Philadelphia 76ers prepare for a season of unprecedented expectations following the high-profile additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, the central question remains the health and durability of star center Joel Embiid. Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal recently predicted that Embiid will not only stay healthy for the upcoming campaign but will also re-establish himself as the NBA's premier big man.

O'Neal made the bold declaration on July 28, stating that Embiid is going to be healthy this year and will dominate, ultimately being touted as the best big man in the league and passing up reigning superstar Nikola Jokic. The prediction places significant pressure on Embiid to lead a revamped roster that many analysts believe has the talent to contend for an NBA championship.

The concern over Embiid's availability is rooted in a lengthy injury history. The former MVP has never played more than 70 games in a season and missed 150 games over the past three years alone. Last season, he was limited to 38 appearances, with his playoff run interrupted by an emergency appendectomy and later a sprained ankle and sore hip that sidelined him for a game. When on the court,...