We’ve seen this happen to Shaq and LeBron.
It seems to be happening to Joel Embiid.
Occasionally, a player enters the NBA who is bigger and stronger than everyone else, but just as athletic. Other players generally are overwhelmed by any play that involves contact. They look like bullies.
Eventually, officials appear to allow opponents greater license with these bigger, stronger players. Their arms get hacked and their backs get pounded but they don’t get foul calls. That’s where Joel Embiid is. Before long it takes excessive, even violent contact to even draw a whistle. Embiid is not there yet.