Shaquille O'Neal believes there should be only one acceptable outcome for the new-look Philadelphia 76ers next season: an NBA championship.
Reacting to a roster featuring LeBron James, Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown and Tyrese Maxey on SportsCenter, O'Neal made it clear that he sees Philadelphia as one of the league's most dangerous teams and does not believe age, chemistry or future plans should be used as excuses.
"Championship or bust," O'Neal said. "You got the great LeBron. You got great Embiid."
Shaq placed particular emphasis on Embiid, challenging the former MVP to re-establish himself among the NBA's very best big men after Nikola Jokic moved ahead of him in recent years.
"It was like three, four years ago Charles and I would always say how he's the best big man," O'Neal said. "Joker has surpassed him, we'll be honest, making a name for himself. My question to Joel: does he want it back? And if he does, please show me."
LeBron James, Shaquille O'Neal
Credit AP; Getty Images via AFP - Scanpix
Shaq sees motivation throughout Sixers roster
O'Neal believes Philadelphia's stars all enter the season with something significant to prove.
James is chasing another championship late in his career, while Shaq believes Brown will arrive motivated after his move to Philadelphia.
"I know LeBron wants to get one last one. Jaylen is feeling slighted. Maxey is making a name for himself," he said. "Definitely the team to watch."
For O'Neal, that combination of talent and motivation means Philadelphia cannot afford to treat the upcoming campaign as the beginning of a longer process.
"I don't wanna hear next year," Shaq said. "This team was put together to win a championship now."
"They have all the pieces they need."
With multiple former MVP and Finals MVP-level players alongside Maxey, Philadelphia will enter the season carrying enormous expectations - and Shaq believes anything short of a title should be viewed as a disappointment.