Philadelphia 76ers: Dwight Howard Makes Bold Joel Embiid Claim

Dwight Howard is one of the greatest defenders in NBA history. He's the only player ever to win the Defensive Player of the Year award in three consecutive seasons and was All-Defensive First Team four years on the trot.

During an appearance on the Thanalysis Show, Howard was asked how he'd guard some of the best players in the league today and he is certainly qualified to speak on the subject. 

Joel Embiid was one of the players who host Thanasis Antetokounmpo brought up and Howard went on to describe his former teammate as a 'unicorn' as he said: "Joel Embiid, he is probably the toughest to guard because he knows how to flop. He knows how to use his size and his strength when he has to. He can shoot real well."

Embiid certainly knows how to win fouls. He has led the league in free throw attempts per game in three of the last four seasons.

Nonetheless, flopping or not, Embiid is still a dominant force on the offensive end and often, opposition defenders are left with no option but to foul him. The former league MVP has won two scoring titles thanks to his ability to score from anywhere on the court.

Despite going through an injury-riddled season currently, Embiid is still averaging 24.4 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game for the 76ers. 

There has actually been a big drop in the 30-year-old's free throw attempts this season, as he is only putting up 8.5 per game. However, over the last four games, that number is at 12.5.

No wonder Embid is the star of the City of Brotherly Love but injuries and other issues have disrupted his productivity this season. Still, if the Sixers are to be successful this season, they will need their former MVP when it matters the most.