Dwight Howard was lately inducted into the Basketball Corridor of Fame after retiring from the NBA.
The previous Orlando Magic celebrity was one of the crucial athletic massive males within the historical past of the league.
So, who higher to debate among the biggest facilities of all time than the eight-time All-Star?
In a latest podcast episode with Michael Porter Jr, Howard in contrast Joel Embiid and Shaquille O’Neal.
Joel Embiid has turn out to be underappreciated by NBA followers due to his ongoing struggles with accidents.
Embiid’s physique has let him down lately, however that ought to not detract from all that he has achieved within the league.
He arguably has one of the best all-around sport of any middle ever, and he deservedly gained the Most Worthwhile Participant award in 2023.
Howard was filled with reward for the Philadelphia 76ers participant and even thinks he would have troubled Shaquille O’Neal in his prime.
“I’ve bought to present Embiid his props,” he mentioned. “I do know I performed on his crew. When he performed in opposition to me, he was tremendous younger, however the dude is good.
“I felt like if he had stayed wholesome, he would in all probability be the one participant at the moment who I may see giving Shaq issues, if he was enjoying Shaq one-on-one.
“He is aware of tips on how to play the sport. He is aware of how to attract fouls. He is aware of tips on how to do all of the euro steps. He has the bounce shot. He has the entire package deal. 100% wholesome, Joel is an issue. He may very well be high 10.”
Howard performed in opposition to O’Neal within the mid-2000s after they have been at reverse ends of their careers.
O’Neal was not the identical participant that he was with the Magic or the Los Angeles Lakers, however Howard nonetheless discovered him powerful to defend.
“Shaq was powerful as a result of he was 395 kilos,” Howard added. “He was simply heavy, and he’s 7’2” or 7’3”. I’m actually 6’9” or 6’10”. That’s giving up numerous peak, dimension, and the whole lot.
“I simply tried to verify, anytime we performed, to maintain assembly him at half courtroom and simply maintain preventing from half courtroom all the way in which down.
“Don’t let him get anyplace within the paint as a result of it’s over with. So think about when he was 25 and working like a gazelle.”
