The 2025-26 NBA season has brought disappointing performances from several players who once held great promise. The spotlight shines on a group of point guards, including Ja Morant, LaMelo Ball, and Trae Young, who have failed to meet expectations. As of now, none of these athletes have led their teams to a playoff series victory since 2022, raising concerns about their future in the league.
Three years ago, during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, Morant, Ball, and Young were celebrated for their potential. The Atlanta Hawks’ Young helped his team reach the Eastern Conference finals in 2021. Ball’s Charlotte Hornets secured 43 wins in 2022, while Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies achieved back-to-back second seeds in the Western Conference. Fast forward to the present, and all three are struggling, with their teams once again facing uncertain futures.
Declining Fortunes for Promising Guards
Morant stands out as a significant disappointment this season. He has only participated in 18 games for the Memphis Grizzlies, failing to play more than six consecutive games since March 2023. Despite a recent 40-point performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, his overall shooting percentage remains at a troubling 40.2 percent. Defensively, he has not made the necessary improvements, and his sporadic availability has raised questions about his commitment.
Ball’s situation is similarly concerning. The young guard has yet to play more than 47 games in a season since his All-Star selection in 2022. Although he leads the Charlotte Hornets with a high assist rate, his scoring efficiency continues to decline. He is shooting only 35 percent from three-point range this season, with critics pointing out his poor shot selection and struggles to finish at the rim. As trade rumors swirl, his future with the team hangs in the balance.
Young has faced his own challenges, limited by a knee injury that has kept him to fewer than a dozen games this season. While he has shown flashes of his previous brilliance, his overall performance has dipped significantly. His player efficiency rating (PER) of 18.3 marks the lowest of his career, and his three-point shooting percentage has plummeted to 30.5 percent.
Other Notable Disappointments
Beyond the trio of guards, other players have also contributed to their teams’ struggles this season. Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic has seen a reduction in shot attempts, taking only eight shots in a recent game despite being a key player. His field goal attempts per 100 possessions have dropped to a career-low of 21.6, raising questions about his role in the team’s offensive strategy.
Meanwhile, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors continues to experience a decline in offensive production. His current player efficiency rating stands at 9.4, and he has been a significant contributor to the team’s turnover issues. Green’s inability to score consistently has placed additional pressure on his teammates, including Steph Curry.
The Indiana Pacers have also faced challenges with their younger players. First-round picks like Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard have not developed as expected, contributing to the team’s struggles this season. Mathurin’s shooting has regressed, while both Walker and Sheppard have posted disappointing shooting percentages, raising concerns about their long-term potential.
As the season unfolds, the performance of these players will be closely monitored. With 82 games in the regular season, there is still potential for turnaround. However, the current trajectory for these athletes raises important questions about their careers and the future of their respective franchises.
