Dwight Howard: Joel Embiid Is So Difficult to Defend Because 'He Knows How to Flop'

Former NBA superstar Dwight Howard threw a bit of shade at Joel Embiid, his old teammate, while praising the Philadelphia 76ers center.

"Joel Embiid, he is probably the toughest to guard because he knows how to flop," Howard said during a Thursday appearance on the Thanalysis Show (h/t HoopsHype). "He knows how to use his size and his strength when he has to. He can shoot real well. If I was checking him, I would have to beat him up and down the court, not let him get easy points, don't go for no pump fakes."

"Embiid is one of those unicorns," he added.

Howard is certainly qualified to speak on the topic, as the eight-time All-Star is the only player in NBA history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in three consecutive seasons.

He achieved the feat from 2009-11, anchoring the defense of an Orlando Magic team that made a trip to the NBA Finals in 2009. While Howard gradually transitioned to a bench role as his career progressed before he was teammates with Embiid on the 76ers during their 2020-21 campaign, he still ranks No. 13 on the association's all-time blocks list.

As for Embiid, the former MVP has developed a reputation for embellishing contact in order to get to the free-throw line. The seven-time All-Star has led the NBA in free throws attempted per game in three of the prior four seasons.

As Howard mentioned, it's worth noting that Embiid's ability to physically overpower opposing centers in the post can also leave defenders with no choice but to foul him in order to prevent a bucket.

The 30-year-old has appeared in just 12 games this season as his debut was delayed due to knee issues, averaging 24.1 points and 7.6 rebounds per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field. Embiid is only attempting 8.5 free throws each night, his lowest mark since the 2017-18 season.

Howard gave compliments to his former teammate, but he also called him out for seemingly exaggerating contact.