The 2025-26 NBA season has seen several high-profile players struggle to meet expectations, leading to the formation of an unofficial “All-Disappointment Team.” Prominent names such as Trae Young, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball have faced significant challenges, raising questions about their future prospects and the trajectory of their respective teams.
Three years ago, during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, Young, Morant, and Ball were celebrated as the rising stars of the league. Each player showcased immense potential, with Young leading the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference finals in 2021, Ball helping the Charlotte Hornets to a 43-win season in 2022, and Morant guiding the Memphis Grizzlies to consecutive second-seed finishes in the Western Conference. Fast forward to 2025, and none of these players have won a playoff series since 2022.
Struggles of Prominent Point Guards
The current season has not favored this trio. Young’s Hawks and Morant’s Grizzlies find themselves in Play-In territory, while Ball’s Hornets are once again eyeing the draft lottery. Injuries, lackluster defense, and halted development have contributed to their decline. Young, who may enter free agency this summer, has yet to see his contract extended, while Morant’s reliability issues have prompted a significant offseason reset for Memphis.
Morant has emerged as a focal point of disappointment. Having played only 18 games this season, he has struggled with consistency and overall performance. His shooting percentage stands at a mere 40.2% from the field, with an even more concerning 21.3% from three-point range. Despite a recent 40-point game against the Philadelphia 76ers, his overall impact remains diminished. Defensively, Morant’s efforts have been criticized, as he has often failed to contribute meaningfully in this area.
Ball’s situation is similarly troubling. Since his All-Star selection, injuries have limited him to no more than 47 games in a season. Although he leads the team in assists, his shooting has been a point of concern, with a three-point shooting percentage of just 35% this season. His struggles to find scoring opportunities have hindered his development, as he has often settled for poor shot selections that do not reflect his capabilities.
Young, too, has faced challenges this season. A knee injury has restricted him to fewer than a dozen games, and his performance has been affected by the league’s adjustments to foul-granting plays that previously benefited him. His shooting efficiency has also taken a hit, with a player efficiency rating (PER) of only 18.3, marking his lowest since his rookie year. As Young should be entering his prime at 27 years old, his current trajectory raises concerns for the Hawks.
Other Notable Disappointments
The disappointment does not end with the aforementioned trio. Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic has also faced scrutiny. While not a complete failure, his performance has not matched expectations following a promising start to his career. His shot attempts have significantly decreased, and despite leading in assists, his overall efficiency has waned. Magic coach Jamahl Mosley noted that Banchero’s focus on facilitating for teammates has impacted his scoring output.
Similarly, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has seen a decline in offensive production. His turnover rate is alarmingly high, significantly impacting the team’s performance despite his defensive acumen. With a player efficiency rating of only 9.4, Green’s struggles have become evident, as he grapples with an evolving role within the Warriors’ system.
The Indiana Pacers have also experienced setbacks due to the underwhelming performances of recent first-round draft picks. Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard have not contributed as anticipated, leading to further challenges for a team already missing star players due to injuries. Mathurin, in particular, has underperformed in key areas, while Walker and Sheppard have struggled to find their shooting touch.
As the season progresses, it remains to be seen whether these players can turn their fortunes around. With more than half of the 82-game season still ahead, opportunities for redemption exist. Nonetheless, the current landscape paints a concerning picture for several of the NBA’s once-promising stars.
