Joel Embiid is on fire, averaging career-high numbers and putting together another MVP-caliber season. Yet, the Philadelphia 76ers star center's playoff shortcomings cast a long shadow, prompting skepticism and even "disrespectful" motivation from NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal.

Embiid's regular-season brilliance is undeniable. He's averaging 34.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 6.0 assists, proving himself as a scoring machine and a skilled playmaker. But past playoff performances tell a different story. The past two postseasons saw his points plummet from 33.1 to 23.7, leaving fans and analysts questioning his ability to deliver when it matters most.

Shaq, who faced similar doubts early in his career, offered Embiid a "disrespectful" challenge, drawing a parallel to his own experience under Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's watchful eye. "We know what you can do," Shaq boomed, "but can you do it at the big dance? Can you win the championship ring?"

O'Neal's message, while harsh, rings true. Numbers alone won't cement Embiid's legacy. He needs to translate his regular-season dominance into playoff success, mirroring Nikola Jokic's championship run with the Denver Nuggets. Until then, the "best big man" title remains elusive, and comparisons to Shaq feel premature.

But Embiid has a chance to rewrite the narrative. This season's playoffs will be his defining moment. Can he rise to the occasion, silence doubters, and finally prove his ability to lead the Sixers to the promised land? The pressure is on, and the "big dance" awaits.