Skip Bayless criticizes Joel Embiid on his woeful performance in first home game of the season: "Joel Embiid disappeared to the point where he just gave up"
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers were hoping to start the season off strong. However, the 76ers find themselves 0-2 after Thursday night's 90-88 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.
The 76ers faced the Boston Celtics and Bucks in their first two games. That isn't an easy task, as they are considered two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. But it wasn't just how the 76ers lost that had the attention of fans.
Joel Embiid, one of the league's most dominant centers, has also become a frustrating superstar. There have been clear instances in which Embiid seems to lack enthusiasm or energy on the court. That seemed to be an issue against Milwaukee. Embiid finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. He shot just 6 of 21 and had four turnovers.
On "Undisputed," analyst Skip Bayless said:
"I was devastated by what I watched last night. ... We're talking about a top five force in this league who completely disappeared last night to the point where he just gave up."
Joel Embiid goes ice cold in the second half of the 76ers' 90-88 loss to the Bucks:
"I was devastated by what I watched last night. Joel Embiid disappeared to the point where he just gave up." — @RealSkipBayless https://t.co/6O6slzJ0VS
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers off to a slow start
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been one of the NBA's most dangerous superstars. At 7-foot, 280 pounds, there are not many players who can stop Embiid when he's in a groove.
The biggest criticism with Embiid has been his efforts. The superstar big man has had a long history of injury concerns as well. But when he's on the floor, you simply never know what version of Joel Embiid you're going to get. When the talented big man is engaged, he's an unstoppable force.
This is one of the worst quarters Joel Embiid has ever played. So sloppy. Constant pouting. Low energy. When are we getting the MVP revenge year? https://t.co/XH9xWNgTPQ
That was proven last year when Embiid had one of the best seasons of his career. He finished the 2021-22 season with averages of 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.5 blocks per game. His play last year even left many to consider him a potential candidate to win MVP this season.
It could simply be just another offnight for Embiid and the 76ers will hope to get back on the right track moving forward. Philadelphia is set to take on the San Antonio Spurs tomorrow as they look to get themselves in the win column.