The 2025-26 NBA season has revealed a stark reality for several once-promising players, including the likes of Trae Young, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball, who have all fallen short of expectations. Once celebrated for their talent and potential, these athletes now find themselves on the All-Disappointment Team as they grapple with injuries, inconsistent performances, and significant career setbacks.
Reflecting on the 2022 NBA All-Star Game, where Young, Morant, and Ball showcased their skills together, it is surprising to witness their current struggles. At that time, the future appeared bright for these players, with Young’s Atlanta Hawks reaching the Eastern Conference finals in 2021, Ball’s Charlotte Hornets winning 43 games in 2022, and Morant’s Memphis Grizzlies securing the second seed in the Western Conference in consecutive seasons. By 2025, however, none have advanced past the playoffs since 2022, and signs indicate that the trend may continue.
Ja Morant’s Inconsistent Performance
Morant tops the list of disappointments this season. Despite flashes of brilliance, including a recent game where he scored 40 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, his overall performance has declined. Morant has played only 18 games this season, struggling to maintain consistent availability and showing a concerning dip in his shooting percentages. Currently, he boasts a field goal percentage of just 40.2 percent and a dismal 21.3 percent from beyond the arc. His defensive efforts have also been lackluster, raising questions about his commitment and future with the Grizzlies.
LaMelo Ball’s Injury Woes
Ball, who made the All-Star team in 2022, has been plagued by injuries, limiting him to fewer than 47 games in each season since. Despite a strong assist rate this year, his scoring efficiency has diminished, with a three-point shooting percentage of only 35 percent. Ball’s struggles with shot selection and finishing have hindered his effectiveness, and as he remains on a max contract for the next three years, the Hornets face mounting pressure to see improvement.
Trae Young’s Declining Impact
Young, previously a standout player, has also faced significant challenges this season. A knee injury has restricted him to fewer than 12 games, and his performance has suffered as a result. His player efficiency rating (PER) has dropped to 18.3, the lowest since his rookie year. While he has the potential for deep shooting, his three-point percentage has dipped to 30.5 percent, and he struggles to draw fouls effectively. Young’s current circumstances raise concerns about his future contributions to the Hawks as he enters free agency.
Other Notable Disappointments
Beyond the Southern point guard trio, other players have also found themselves on the All-Disappointment Team. Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic has not yet made the leap expected in his fourth season, taking fewer shots than in previous years. His efficiency has been subpar, with a true shooting percentage of just 50.1 percent. Meanwhile, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has struggled offensively, contributing to a high turnover rate that has impacted his team’s performance.
The Indiana Pacers have also faced setbacks with recent first-round picks, including Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard, who have not delivered the expected contributions. Their struggles highlight the challenges faced by young players in the league.
As the season progresses, there is hope for some of these athletes to recover and improve their performances. With more than half of the season remaining, the possibility remains that they could turn around their fortunes and silence the critics. Nonetheless, the disappointing trajectories of these players serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of professional sports.
