"Woefully out of shape; like scary out of shape" - Skip Bayless calls out Joel Embiid after his first game for the Team USA

As a long-time believer in Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid , Skip Bayless cannot tell a lie — he didn't like what he saw in Team USA's victory over Team Canada. After winning the MVP award two seasons ago, No. 21 has been at the top of his game and is arguably the best center in basketball. However, a recurring theme in his career has been injuries and his debatable appearance.

"The other thing that stunned me was — I'm gonna say it again, I'm gonna go here — I'm the biggest Joel Embiid fan," Skip said Friday on UNDISPUTED . "He is woefully out of shape. Like, scary out of shape to me. He looks like he could lose 15 or 20 pounds and be just fine. That's just me."

In his national team debut, the Sixers star recorded just 5 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists to go along with 4 turnovers. Although it was a relatively meaningless exhibition game, JoJo played entirely down to expectation. He didn't look like himself in Wednesday night's sub-20 minutes of action. For the Americans to be at their best, the 7-footer must be at his best — and maybe drop some pounds if you ask Skip.

Skip has been Joel's advocate

Perhaps as often as he's called Embiid the NBA's best big man — he's shamed him for not looking the best. It may be harsh, but the talking head has been on TV for years, talking down any athlete for not taking care of their body. The pundit loves fitness, which is one of the only things he credits LeBron James for. However, Joel hasn't been on Bayless' good side in terms of physique.

"I do agree with you," Skip told his debate partner Shannon Sharpe in 2020. "Joel doesn't look like he's in any kind of shape to me. He looks a little pudgy. He looks a little soft. He looks like gets quickly winded.

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Still a believer

If you've watched the Fox Sports analyst long enough, you may be aware that he's stubbornly proud when it comes to supporting the players he loves. No matter how poorly he plays at times and how often he looks out of shape, Bayless won't give up on Embiid. Despite Nikola Jokic's recent track record in the NBA, the talking head probably still believes deep down inside that the Sixers big man is the best center in the association.

"He is still, every time he steps on a floor with all those guys, he is still the biggest nuclear weapon on the floor," he said Friday.

Embiid's sheer force and skill set will always set him apart, regardless of how big he gets. He has the exhibition games to prepare his body for full-speed Olympic action that tips off towards the end of the month. But if he can't work his way back into some semblance of game shape, don't be stunned if Skip starts pounding the debate desk again about his conditioning.

Related: "His priority is to get to the playoffs healthy" - SAS on what's holding Embiid back from reaching his full potential