These players have not played up to their expectations. Can they turn things around moving forward?
1. RJ Barrett
Picture: (Rich Graessle-Getty Images)
Rj Barret was the 3rd overall pick to the Knicks back in 2019. After his impressive season at Duke, Barrett was expected to be a great NBA player. Before the season began, many were thinking he was going to have a great season. 20 games into the season, he has been the same player we've seen the previous 3 seasons. Barrett is shooting a career low 26% from 3, and about 40% from the field. He's currently averaging 18.6 PPG, and is averaging a career high 2.3 TOV per game. Many expect RJ to play better so can he turn things around?
2. Anthony Edwards
(Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former 1st overall pick Anthony Edwards has impressed many over his career but when will he make his leap from star, to superstar? This was the year many thought that would happen. So far he has not been on a superstar level of play. For the most part, Edwards stats have improved from last season, but not by much. Edwards isn't playing terrible this season, but he has so much potential, and I know he can be playing better. I will say, he has 2 of the best big men in the league, so that may be why he's been less productive than expected, but I know he's a lot better than this.
3. Patrick Beverly
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Lakers season has been very disappointing, and along with that, Patrick Beverly's has been as well. Beverly is averaging a career low in PPG(4.1), career low in 3p%(23%), and efg%(34%). Now shooting may not be Beverly's game, but these are just some things to point out. The Lakers traded 2 of their younger players (Talen Horton Tucker, and Stanley Johnson) for Beverly, and although Beverly is a defensive threat, he hasn't stood out defensively either. He's also shooting a career low in 2p%, shooting around 31%. I don't know if Patrick Beverly will turn things around, but as of right now, he has disappointed Lakers fans, and fans of the NBA.
4. PJ Tucker
(Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
Pj Tucker signed a contract for 3 years $33 million this summer with the 76ers, and he has not played like himself. Tucker his shooting 38% from 3, which isn't terrible, but he hasn't been consistent. He's had multiples games where he hasn't scored, and hasn't contributed in other ways. I feel fans expect a lot more from him, considering his big contract, but he just hasn't fit in great with the sixers. I feel once playoffs come he'll be able to contribute more, and play a more important role when they have Harden, Embiid, and Maxey all healthy. He hasn't been great, but I think he'll bounce back, and look like the hardworking player we know.
5. Scottie Barnes
(Photo by Cole Burston/Getty Images)
Last seasons rookie of the year, Scottie Barnes, has shown he can be really good, but this season, he hasn't made that leap from good, to great. Scottie is averaging less points, rebounds, and steals per game, but is averaging nearly 2 more assists per game. He isn't playing bad, he just could be doing way better. I feel most fans expect a lot from players in their 2nd season, but some players need more time to develop than others. I'm not too worried about Scottie, and neither should most people, but I know he could be doing better, and could be making a bigger impact on his team.
Honorable Mention: Deandre Ayton, James Wiseman, Ben Simmons, Cam Reddish.
Kommentare