NBA: Playoffs-Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) celebrates with guard Tyrese Maxey (0) after their win over the Boston Celtics in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has high expectations for the Philadelphia 76ers for the 2026-27 season after making big moves this offseason.
Philadelphia has sheer determination to make a championship run, pulling off major additions to the roster. They landed Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics in exchange for Paul George and draft compensation. To top off the summer, they signed veteran superstar LeBron James to bolster their chances of being firm title contenders.
O’Neal, who has won four championships throughout his 19-year career, made an appearance on ESPN’s SportsCenter to discuss the 76ers this weekend. He didn’t mince words about the team’s chances of success, seeing them be an all or nothing squad this upcoming season.
“Championship or bust. You got the great LeBron. You got great Embiid. It was like 3, 4 years ago Charles and I would always say how he’s the best big man. Joker has surpassed him, will be honest, making a name for himself. My question to Joel: does he want it back? And if he does, please show me. I know LeBron wants to get one last one. Jaylen is feeling slighted. Maxey is making a name for himself, definitely the team to watch. I don’t wanna hear next year…this team was put together to win a championship now…they have all the pieces they need,” O’Neal said.
Shaq on the new look Sixers:
"Championship or bust. You got the great LeBron. You got great Embiid. It was like 3, 4 years ago Charles and I would always say how he's the best big man. Joker has surpassed him, will be honest, making a name for himself. My question to Joel: does… pic.twitter.com/HXlgSd0vU2
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) August 20, 2026
What Lies Ahead for 76ers Next Season
NBA: Playoffs-Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics
May 2, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) gets congratulated as he leaves the court after their win over the Boston Celtics in game seven of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Shaquille O’Neal has high hopes for the 76ers, especially with Joel Embiid having his best chance at winning a championship. With Jaylen Brown and LeBron James on the roster, Philadelphia has a huge opportunity to win its first NBA title since 1983.
Philadelphia finished with a 45-37 record last season, securing the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference standings. They stunned the Boston Celtics in a 3-1 series comeback before losing in a four-game sweep to the New York Knicks in the East Semifinals.
The 76ers enjoyed an incredible offseason, adding James and Jaylen Brown to the roster. They also bolstered their overall depth by signing key role players in the backcourt with Anfernee Simons and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, making the team a possibly fierce contender for the 2027 championship.