Dwight Howard Named the One Player Who Could Take On Prime Shaquille O’Neal

Several legendary centers have dominated the NBA throughout its existence, but few have reached the heights of Shaquille O’Neal. The Newark, New Jersey native was the No. 1 pick in the 1992 draft and entered a league with more than a few dominant big men in their prime.

Still, O’Neal’s size, speed, and athleticism stood out right away with the Orlando Magic, and the former LSU standout immediately averaged a double-double in his rookie year.

A few seasons later, Shaq led this franchise to its first-ever NBA Finals appearance before eventually signing with the L.A. Lakers.

In the City of Angels, Shaq led the Lakers to three straight titles, winning Finals MVP on all of those occasions. O’Neal subsequently claimed another Larry O’Brien Trophy later on in his career with the Miami Heat before retiring after the 2010-11 season.

Overall, few NBA centers are in the same stratosphere as Shaquille O’Neal, especially at the peak of his powers. Nonetheless, Dwight Howard believes there is only one player who could actually match up with prime Shaq, and shockingly, this former MVP is stil active.

Dwight Howard named the NBA player who could go toe-to-toe with Shaquille O’Neal

Dwight Howard became a first-ballot Hall of Famer in September of 2025, joining an elite group of players that includes Shaquille O’Neal.

Both legendary centers started their careers with the Orlando Magic before going on to join the Los Angeles Lakers. And like O’Neal, Howard was able to hoist a Larry O’Brien Trophy for this historic franchise.

Dwight ultimately knows Shaq well and went up against several Hall of Fame big men during his 18-year career. But only one player came to mind for Howard when asked who could put up a fight against O’Neal at both ends.

And that individual is Joel Embiid.

Joel Embiid is one of the most talented players of this generation

It’s safe to say that Dwight Howard’s take is a controversial one. That being said, Joel Embiid has been one of the most notable stars from this generation.

“The Process” has spent his entire career with the Philadelphia 76ers, leading this franchise back to relevance in the Eastern Conference.

For years, Embiid was a prime contender for regular-season MVP, before eventually claiming the award in 2023. Joel is a three-level scorer at 7’0, 288 pounds, who can play both ends with his several All-Defensive selections.

Nevertheless, while Joel will eventually end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame, the 76ers center has two things working against his legacy: injuries and playoff success.

Embiid has consistently worn down throughout regular seasons due to numerous injuries and has constantly looked like a shell of himself in the postseason. At times, it’s not Joel’s fault, and on some other occasions, the star center has struggled with his fitness.

In addition, even when healthy, Embiid has struggled with his efficiency in these games, shooting just 45% throughout his playoff career and less than 30% from three.

The Yaoundé, Cameroon native tends to shy away from contact, which is a damaging habit that would not work against prime Shaquille O’Neal.

Embiid would probably get his baskets against Shaq so long as he’s not being frequently double-teamed, but there’s a very low chance of him containing the all-time great center in the post. That, of course, is nothing to be ashamed of.

Overall, despite his more slender build, Hakeem Olajuwon is the better choice for this scenario. The Dream is the only player Shaq admitted constantly got the better of him, and Olajuwon was a transcendent player on both ends who elevated his play in the postseason.

Dwight Howard’s justification for choosing Embiid is somewhat understandable, but in this scenario, opting for someone more proven and reliable is the way to go.