With the Cleveland All-Star over, the regular season is about to enter its final stages. In this article, I'm going to share with you what I see as the top ten disappointing stars of the season so far. Without further ado, I'll get to the point now.
Tenth place: Jaylen Green (Rockets) Disappointment Index: 6.5
Before last year's draft, a lot of people were wondering if the Pistons would choose Cunningham or Jaylen Green. In the end, the pistons made a choice, and they chose the former. After learning that he was a show-in, Jaylen Green told the media that he would make the Pistons regret it. It turns out that not only did the Pistons not regret it, but the Rockets themselves regretted it a little.
Looking only at the basic data, Jaylen Green's average of 14.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.2 blocks per game is outstanding among rookies. But friends who have watched the game can definitely feel that Jaylen Green's real level is far less beautiful than the panel data.
From a scorer's perspective, Green is inefficient. He shot just 38.7 percent from the field and 31.1 percent from three-point range. A good free throw shooting percentage can reach 81.8%. These three statistics can illustrate two problems - first, Green's shooting ability without confrontation is not bad, but not in sports battles. Second, Jaylen Green's choice of shot was unreasonable.
From a passer's point of view, Green was a failer. He averaged 2.3 assists per game while making 2.2 turnovers, bringing the assist-to-turnover ratio close to 1-1. For comparison, the much-maligned Wei Shao assist-to-turnover ratio is also 1.74.
From a defender's perspective, Green wasted his athletic talent. Poor defensive awareness and easy to be swayed by others are his problems. Green's current individual defensive efficiency is only 118, ranking 334th in the entire NBA.
For Green, not to mention the best rookie, he can enter the best rookie team of the season is a bit hanging.
Ninth place: Bradley Bill (Wizards) Disappointment Index: 7.0
Beal averaged 31.3 points per game last season, and if it weren't for Curry being too clueless, he would be the leading scorer. In last year's All-Star vote, Beal became the no. 1 guard in the Overall Rankings in the East by an absolute margin. When everyone thought the 28-year-old Bill was going to go further this season, Beal showed a noticeable regression.
So far this season, Beal has averaged just 23.2 points per game, a serious decline in production compared to last season. Not only is production declining, but Beal's scoring efficiency is also declining across the board. He shot 45.1 percent from the field, 30 percent from three-point range, 83.3 percent from the free throw line, and 53.9 percent from the field. You may not believe it, but Beale's shooting efficiency is not much better than That of Westbrook.
While Beal has done well in passing this season, he currently averages a career-high 6.6 assists per game. But compared to the decline in scoring ability, the passing improvement is better than nothing.
According to the latest news from the Wizards, they are interested in reaching a four-year, 185.5 million early contract extension contract with Beal. No kidding, I feel that if the wizards really give, they may have to lose.
8th place: Damian Lillard (Blazers) Disappointment Index: 7.5
In last season's playoffs, Lillard played the heavenly stats, averaging 34.3 points, 4.3 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game. Facing the Nuggets led by MVP Jokic, Lillard lost. In Game 5 of the series, Lillard scored 55 points on 17-of-24 shooting and 12-of-17 three-point range. When Lillard shot, Rivers Jr. was praying he wouldn't score.
Coming up this season, Lillard's performance has been too disappointing. Averaging 24 points per game is the lowest in the last seven seasons, shooting 40.2% from the field and 32.4% from three-point range are even career lows. When Lillard became a blacksmith, the Trail Blazers' record naturally plummeted.
Is such a Lillard worthy of being named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary All-In-Chief Team? Most fans don't think it's worth it, so when the NBA officially announced that he was named to the 75th Anniversary All-Team, the mainstream voice was doubtful.
According to the disclosure of relevant reporters, Lillard is likely to be reimbursed for the injury season, which means that the Blazers did not qualify for the playoffs in advance. In the summer of 2019, Lillard and the Blazers reached a four-year, $176 million early contract extension, and this season is the first year the new contract goes into effect. Over the next three years, Lillard's salary will reach $136.6 million. To be honest, I'm not optimistic that Lillard's future performance will be worthy of such a high salary.
Seventh place: James Harden (76ers) Disappointment Index: 8.0
Early in last season, Harden broke up with the Rockets, and he came to the Nets with lofty ambitions. In the regular season, Harden performed well overall. With Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving playing a halt, Harden took the Nets on a winning streak. However, in the playoffs, Harden suffered a hamstring strain, so he struggled in the Nets' series with the Bucks.
Coming to this season, Harden has lost the style of the former MVP, and he has not only declined in ability, but also has problems with his attitude. On February 3, 2022, Harden played the final game of his Nets career. Against the Kings, Harden scored just four points on 2-of-11 shooting.
In the days that followed, reporters continued to expose Harden's intention to leave the Nets. Although Harden has been denying the rumor, he eventually chose to go.
After the 76ers, can Harden and Embiid team up to win the championship? I'm not optimistic about it. This summer, Harden had the option to jump out of his contract to become a free agent, would he do that? While relevant media reports say Harden promised to execute player options, who knows? In this day and age, anything can happen.
Harden has played frequently in the last two seasons, and that experience shouldn't happen to a superstar. When Harden left the Rockets, the Attitude of Rockets fans toward him was mostly a blessing. By the time Harden left the Nets, Nets fans had already started burning Harden's jerseys.
There is no doubt that Harden's performance has disappointed Nets fans very much.
Sixth place: Russell Westbrook (Lakers) Disappointment Index: 8.5
Although Westbrook was not selected as an All-Star last season, his overall performance was still worthy of his salary. After the End of the All-Star Game, Wei Shao was revived with blood, and he not only played triple-doubles in succession, but the team's record was getting better and better.
At the end of the regular season, Westbrook became the triple-double king of the season, averaging 22.5 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.7 assists per game, including rebounds and assists, which were career highs. Facing the Pacers in the playoffs, Westbrook played well with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 15 assists. Under his needle-and-needle line, the Wizards made it to the playoffs.
Last summer, the Lakers traded Kuzma, Pope, Harrell and a first-round pick for wizards' Westbrook and two second-round picks. When the deal was struck, almost all of the media thought the Lakers had made a stupid choice.
Judging from the current situation, the media was not wrong at the beginning. How disappointing Wei Shao's performance is, I don't need to say anything about the data, Lakers fans know it. So when the Lakers didn't send Westbrook out before the trade deadline, everyone realized that it was really impossible for the Lakers to win the championship this season.
Westbrook has the right to choose to jump out of the 47.06 million player option this summer, will he jump? I'm sure he won't. No kidding, according to this trend, it is difficult for Wei Shao to exceed the tens of millions of levels under the next contract.
Fifth place: Michael Potter Jr. (Nuggets) Disappointment Index: 9.0
The NBA has two players who can be called the king of skinny jump shots, one is Kevin Durant, and the other is Michael Porter Jr. Throughout the 20-21 regular season, Porter Jr. averaged 19 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, shooting 54.2 percent from the field, 44.5 percent from three-point range and 79.1 percent from the free throw line. Unlike most players, Porter Jr. has more shooting stability than free throws in sports battles.
On the choice of shots, Porter Jr. is really not bad, he often faces the defenders directly. But sometimes we just have to admit that being gifted is doing whatever we want.
After a successful season, the Nuggets willingly offered Porter Jr. a contract extension of up to 207 million for five years. Although a significant portion of the contract was non-guaranteed, he was also insured by 145 million.
Will Porter Jr., who got the big contract, break the doubt with his behavior? So far not.
This season, Porter Jr. averaged only 9.9 points and 6.6 rebounds per game, shooting 35.9 percent from the field, 20.8 percent from three-point range and 55.6 percent from the free throws. Why did Porter Jr. fall off a cliff? The root cause was that his back injury had recurred. Although the Nuggets said that Porter Jr. may make a comeback late in the season, I feel that even if Porter Jr. makes a comeback, it will be difficult for him to regain the feeling he once was.
For the Nuggets, if Porter Jr. sinks here, their salary space for the next 3-4 years will be completely locked, and it will be impossible to win the championship. If Jokic eventually chooses to leave in order to win the championship, it will be difficult for Nuggets fans to keep calm with Porter Jr.
Fourth place: Kyrie Irving (Nets) Disappointment Index: 9.5
Last season, Nets fans loved Kyrie Irving. During the regular season, Irving played 57 times, averaging 26.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 6 assists, 1.4 steals and 0.7 blocks per game, including 50.6% from the field, 40.2% from three-point range and 92.2% from the free throw line. With outstanding performances, Irving not only became a member of the "180 Club", but also was selected to the NBA's Best Team Three Teams.
During the playoffs, Irving accidentally stepped on the feet of the alphabet brother for the season reimbursement. Without this accident, the Nets really have the potential to eventually win the championship.
With everyone's expectations, Irving began his "performance" in the new season. Because of the refusal to be vaccinated, Irving was unable to play at home. Originally, according to the rules, Irving could play away games with the team, but the tough Nets decided not to let him play on the road. As the season progressed, the Nets' injury problems got worse and worse, they gave in, and they allowed Irving to play on the road.
So far, Irving has made a total of 14 appearances for the Nets this season, averaging 24.1 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.6 blocks per game.
Judging from the performance on the court, Irving did not disappoint the Nets too much. But combined with Irving's various operations throughout the season, we have to say that Irving has been too disappointing. If he's willing to get a vaccine, Harden probably won't go, and the Nets are hopeful of winning the championship. But now that the wood is in the boat, the Nets are not to say that they are fighting for the championship now, and whether they can play in the playoffs is not stable enough.
Stalling such an Irving, Durant and the Nets really have a hard time talking.
3rd place: Julius Randall (Knicks) Disappointment Index: 9.8
Randall's performance in the regular season last season was really impressive, averaging 24.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 6 assists, 0.9 steals and 0.3 blocks per game. With such amazing performances, Randall was not only named the most improved player of the year, but also selected for the NBA's best team second team. Despite Randle's mess in the playoffs, New York fans were generally happy with Randle's performance.
Last summer, Randall chose to sign a four-year, 117 million contract extension with the Knicks. At the time, many people thought Randle was a bit too cautious and he could have played another season and then got a super big contract.
Judging from the current situation, Randall did not do anything wrong, he is a self-aware player.
So far this season, Randall is averaging 19.8 points, 10.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.6 blocks per game. At the basic data level, Randall hasn't slipped a lot. But dig deeper into Randall's data and we'll be able to spot the problem.
First, Randle's three-point level went from good to fail. Randle shot 41.1 percent from three-point range last season and only 30.6 percent this season. Second, Randall's performance at key moments plummeted. At the crucial moments of this season, Randle shot only 37.2 percent from the field and even 15.4 percent from three-point range. Third, Randall's ability to lead the team has declined significantly. Last season, Randle was able to bring the Knicks to the top half, and this season the Knicks are only fourth-to-last in the East.
How long will Randall's struggle continue? I do not know.
Second place: Ben Simmons (Nets) Disappointment Index: 9.9
If you only look at the regular season performance, Simmons played quite well last season. All-Star, All-Defensive Team One, DPOY Second, Simmons, although he can't shoot well, he has achieved A and above in other aspects.
By the playoffs, however, Simmons was too disappointing. In the seventh game against the Eagles, Simmons delivered 13 assists, but he only scored 5 points. At a crucial moment in the game, Simmons faced Trae Young's air defense under the basket and chose to pass the ball to Sable, and what was originally a safe 2-pointer became one of two free throws.
After losing the Seven Games, not only the local media in Philadelphia began to criticize Simmons, but also the 76ers and other players expressed their dissatisfaction with Simmons.
In the face of criticism, some people choose to prove themselves with actions, and Simmons chooses not to play.
In order to get Simmons back on the field, Rivers and Embiid praised him many times before and after, and they were willing to blame him. In this case, Simmons still did not change his position. Later, the 76ers began to fine, and after Simmons hardened for a while, he chose to return to the team to avoid continuing to be fined. When everyone thought that Simmons was going to return to the game, Simmons just went to the training hall and practiced for a while.
Eventually, Embiid had a showdown, his patience reached its limit, and he no longer expected Simmons to return to the team. Simmons' farce ended with being traded to the Nets.
Looking at the entire NBA, a player like Simmons is really unprecedented, and he has broken people's perceptions again and again. After coming to the Nets, can Simmons play seriously? Can he stop having a glass heart in the future? I'm really not bullish.
1st place: Zion Williams (Pelicans) Disappointment Index: 10
How well Zion played last season, how disappointing this season has been! Throughout the 20-21 season, Zion made 61 appearances and averaged 27 points and 7.2 rebounds per game, shooting 61.1 percent from the field.
When Zion is healthy, he's the league's most terrifying under-the-basket killer. Although only about 2 meters tall, Zion can always score against the big centers under the basket. Being an All-Star starter in the West at the age of 20, Zion has achieved many achievements that star players can't achieve in a lifetime.
With Zion like this, the Pelicans' future was bright.
What people didn't expect was that Zion had played well this season, and he hadn't even played for the team. I've seen a lot of news about Zion this year, either because he's not recovering as expected, or because he's heavier, or because he has little contact with his teammates. It's hard to imagine a 21-year-old supernova having so much negative press.
Recently, the Pelicans trade came to CJ McCollum. As the Pelicans' facade player, Zion should have gotten in touch with CJ as soon as possible, but he didn't. Yesterday, pelicans officially sent renewal emails to their season pass holders, in which they mention Ingram, Valanciunas and CJ, but they don't mention Zion.
It's clear that the Pelicans aren't very bullish on Zion's comeback next season, and they're not even sure if Zion will be on the team next season.
In the summer of 2019, when the Pelicans drew the lottery, their entire management cheered, and they understood that supernova Zion would play for New Orleans. Now, 3 years later, although the Pelicans still have Zion, they are no longer excited, but headaches. If you give the Pelicans a chance to regret it, do you guess they'll choose Zion or Morant?
If Zion doesn't play well in the future, he may be the most disappointing supernova in NBA history.
Write at the end:
After the All-Star Game, each team has about 25 regular season games to play. As a fan, I hope that the top ten disappointing stars I write about today will bottom out and prove themselves with actions. When the season is over, I'll write another article summarizing their performance throughout the season.