Lowered expectations
There is still plenty of time for players to redeem themselves this season, but either due to injury, poor performance, or a combination of both, there are a number are candidates for the most disappointing player this year in the NBA.
Here is a list of some of the players who haven’t met expectations to this point. Many of these players are having solid statistical seasons, but based on their past, it’s still below their expected level of production.
Check in with us at the end of the season to see if any of these players will be able to lift themselves off this undesired list. Also, we’d love to hear any suggestions of players who aren’t included, but very well could be.
The players are listed in alphabetical order.
Mike Conley, Memphis. He has gone from being the fourth pick in the 2007 draft to somebody on everybody’s all-rumor trade team. Conley is averaging just over 3 assists in 25 minutes per game and has lost his starting job to Kyle Lowry. Detroit’s Rodney Stuckey, who was selected 15th in the first round of the 2007 draft, has already far exceeded Conley as a point guard.
Samuel Dalembert, 76ers. Dalembert is among the most congenial people in the NBA, but also among the most inconsistent. Last season he made huge strides, but this year the Sixers center has regressed and now he’s playing fewer minutes. He had started every game, but was averaging under six points and more than eight rebounds and 1.6 blocked shots in under 25 minutes per game. Last season he averaged 10.5 points and 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocked shots in more than 33 minutes a game. This season he hasn’t been thrilled about his reduced minutes, but he must give the Sixers a reason to play him more.
Ricky Davis, Los Angeles Clippers. A player who has been known for giving instant offense, Davis has struggled with knee problems and has also received a five-game suspension for violating terms of the NBA’s drug program. He hasn’t played since Nov. 22 due to a left knee injury. Known for his ability to create instant offense, Davis has averaged just 4.3 points in 13 games.
Luol Deng, Chicago. An ankle injury has kept him out of the lineup since late December, but even when playing, Deng seemed to have lost his shooting touch. Before the season he signed a six-year contract for more than $70 million. Deng is averaging 13.3 points, but hasn’t come close to looking like the dangerous player of 2006-2007 when he averaged 18.8 points and shot 51.7 percent from the field.
Allen Iverson, The grading scale is much tougher on this nine-time all-star. Since being dealt earlier in the season from Denver, Iverson has averaged 18 points, which is about nine below his career average. True, with Detroit, he won’t get as many shots because of the Pistons’ depth and his own reduced minutes. Iverson was averaging about three minutes less per game for Detroit from his career average. To his credit, he has tried to defer to his teammates. Maybe it seems as if Iverson has been disappointing because the player he was traded for, Chauncey Billups, has made a world of difference in Denver and should be selected to the all-star team. Iverson is still a productive player, but he’s just not performing at an all-star level.
Jason Kidd, Dallas. Kidd has never really been the expected dominant player since being traded at the all-star break last season from New Jersey. The numbers look respectable – more than eight points and eight assists per game. He is averaging more than 35 minutes, which is about two minutes under his career mark. Many point guards would take Kidd’s numbers in a heartbeat, but this is a nine-time all-star, so like Iverson, he is judged on a higher level. Kidd will be 36 on March 23 and while he has some solid basketball left in him, he hasn’t begun to look like the dominant player of the past.
Tracy McGrady, Houston. McGrady has attempted to play despite a painful sore left knee that has kept him in and out of the lineup. To his credit, he has tried to play through the pain, but just hasn’t been the same following surgery in May. A seven-time all-star, McGrady is shooting under 40 percent from the field and isn’t close to the being the player who has averaged 21 or more points per season for eight straight years.
Mike Miller, Minnesota. Somebody with the shooting ability of Miller who is playing more than 31 minutes per game should not be averaging below double figures in scoring. Miller has missed several games this season with an ankle injury, but he also hasn’t been aggressively looking for his shot. In a recent three-game stretch he attempted only 18 shots. Never known as a great defender, Miller has the ability to stretch defenses. He is certainly a candidate to be traded and should be able to help a contender.
Jermaine O’Neal, Toronto. The acquisition of O’Neal in the summer was expected to significantly upgrade Toronto, but the Raptors have been one of the biggest disappointments this season. O’Neal has been listed as day to day, but at this writing, hasn’t played since Dec. 29 due to his troublesome right knee. While in the lineup, he has been solid, but not spectacular (14.0 ppg., 7.3 rpg. ). If totally healthy, and that’s a big if, he is capable of much more. He has not played as many as 70 games since 2003-2004 and one wonders if O’Neal can still make a major impact or just be a solid but unspectacular contributor.
Melvin Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
Who the hell is Mike COnley? When he was picked fourth, many are saying his good. Now I watched him play every game and he’s NO good!
Noticias varias… y un vídeo con muy mala leche « El blog del Pistolero Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 6:44 pm
[...] decepcionante: En los blogs de Hoopshype podéis leer un artículo en el que cita un listado de jugadores que han tenido un principio [...]
Stan Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
Great article, I think Ron Artest & Shawn Marion should be on the list too.
They are not the same players as they used to be.
Elton Brand Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 7:06 pm
I demand this be edited and i be added immediately. I know mardi is tryin to get on my cock seeing as hes a philly writer and tryin to be my go to guy but all the same i demand professional integrity from sports writers
javster 2008 Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 9:18 pm
HERES A COUPLE STEVE FRANCIS,BARON DAVIS,ELTON BRAND ALL DRAFTED SAME YEAR!,KWAME BROWN,DARKO MILIC BOTH WERE BUSTED PICKS ih and stephon marbury
matt iakhno Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 9:44 pm
I don’t think JO should be on this list because anyone with half a brain knew not to expect anything from “The Drain” this season (or for the rest of his career for that matter). The man is too injury prone to ever make a lasting impact in the NBA again.
Names I would add to the list: Elton Brand, Tracy McGrady, Shawn Marion. I’m leaving B. Diddy off because, honestly, the Clippers are doomed to an eternity of suck.
D Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
Jason Kidd is by far the biggest dissapointment, i’d say. You said that many players would kill for kidd’s numbers this year (8 points and 8 assists) but i should hope that players would want to accomplish more. If we’re comparing Kidd’s current numbers with past numbers, it’s flat out ugly. 8 assists is good, but 8 points? He’s actually putting up the shots too…it’s not as though he’s simply being unselfish. Kidd should retire while he still has a bit of dignity left.
dan Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 10:21 pm
your an idiot… ricky davis is awful he was awful on miami last season too. he is trigger happy and never makes anything
The List? Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 11:34 pm
This list is a joke. No one EXPECTED anything from most of those guys. Kidd a dominant player? Please, he just doesn’t have the personnel to play with…you got Miller and maybe Dalembert…but Iverson? McGrady and O’Neal were already question marks with injury history. Deng has been injured. Who cares about Conley and Davis? Let’s try:
1) Brand
2) B Davis
3) Miller
4) Marion
5) Barbosa…
chris Said,
January 12, 2009 @ 11:58 pm
ron artest should not be on the list.
biggest bust is jermaine o’ neil!
v Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 12:07 am
ya’ll are dumb, this list is about the disapointments this year. steve francis hasnt had expectations on him for the last couple of seasons, neither has darko milicic or kwame brown. read what the article is about. Not all time busts. Well done smart guy
Mark Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 12:47 am
Jason Kidd was never a good fit in Dallas. They rely solely on Isolation sets with Josh Howard and Dirk. Kidd for Mike Bibby and watch Kidd turn back into the player he was with the nets.
doubleorange7 Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 2:29 am
two words = Shawn Marion
Jams Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 3:57 am
I don’t think AI, Jason Kidd or Jermaine O’Neal should be on this list as anyone with any knowledge of basketball knows that they were already on the decline based on age and/or injuries. Moronic sportswriter.
Profelis Aurata Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 8:39 am
I would add Steve Nash, Shawn Marion
art Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 9:31 am
I have always called Kidd “the king of the cheap triple doubles”. He steal rebounds to run up his numbers and could not guard Jason Williams(vanilla) a number of years ago in playoffs. Also a coach killer. If he is a sure fire hall of famer so are Maurice Cheeks and Terry Porter. Didnt he ruin Dallas with Jackson/Mashburn over some girl singer?
kritic Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 9:57 am
everyone on the pheonix suns roster after D’antoni’s departure.
Marion
Nash
Bell
Even Amare
manou Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 10:48 am
Kidd????
He’s averaging great numbers!!
9pts-6rbds-8asts with 1.5trey and 2.5 (!!!) steals.
That steal number is just huge!
frank_head Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 11:04 am
I hate Jermaine O’Neal in Toronto.
If Colangelo would pay attention to the games and stop looking
in his blackberry maybe the team wouldnt have such a boring, weak roster.
Trucestiles Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Iverson is playing just fine. This may be his year. he is doing what everyone has been waiting for now he is considered a bust for year?? Jay kidd has never been dominent unless being on a team of finishers around him. Kidd’s entire career is overrated. Every team he plays for clears out so he can grab the free boards and start the break. He WONT get a ring b/c he simply can’t score! Mike Miller is another overrated player. He WAS the best Shooter on a bum squad in his prime earning him a title to talk about. lets talk about Ginobili, Barjhani, and the rest of the NBA’s favs that are continually a bust! TMAC belong on the ALL SOFT STAR team w Ginobili and J O’Neal as well
FORREST CRUNK Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 12:17 pm
any article entitled “Lowered Expectations” that does not include Shawn Marion be immediately retracted and edited for his inclusion - after all that BS about his unhappiness with his role on the Suns he should be #1 on this list.
You are on target about Luol Deng however, what a miserable failure thus far, one can’t look past him when searching for the reason the Bulls are a disappointing 16-22 so far.
AT Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 12:38 pm
It’s shocking how people in sports don’t understand the aging process. Jason Kidd is OLD, how could anyone reasonably expect anything? And Conely is like 21 years old, he’s a kid. Wait a few years.
Berkmann Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
I think to be considered a dissapointment, you have to look at the player´s salary also…if he´s earning way too much and not producing enough, well, that´s a dissapointing player
Big J Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
THE NAME IS BRAND. GOT THE BIG CONTRACT FOR LITTLE PLAY. THAY ARE PLAYING BETTER WITH THE BRAND MAN!
stuckey Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
am I wrong to question Greg Oden? Wasn’t he suppossed to be the next great center?
Did last season’s injury put expectations on hold? Or did he get a clean slate?
stuckey Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 2:27 pm
I never seen anyone write or talk about jermaine o’neil being back to his old self this year.
brand seems like a huge bust in philly
manou Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Someone is saying Gino is a bust this year? WTF is he talking about? gino is doing perfectly fine, spurs are winning, and he doesn’t play heavy minutes, and should perfectly fresh comes playoff time which is always the plan. Everything is going smooth in spurs world.
Amare critic... Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
if there is anyone player in the L… most deserving of the most disappointing player award(barring injury and aging) it’s Amare “STAT” Stoudemire. This player has great talent and athleticism but he never comes up in conversations about the superstars in the league.He just hasn’t improved!(aside from microfracture surgery) Truth be told… Nash made all those guys: Marion, Bell, Diaw, and Stat look like All-stars. Which apparently(check the stats) they aRE NOT! The only reason STAT is the future is because everybody else on their roster will be retired or overseas somewhere playing with Josh Childress. Oh, and because Steve Kerr is not a real NBA GM!!!!!!!!! I’m out like Mike Conley’s career!
BrianBoitono Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 4:32 pm
lebron has been a bust this year. I watched a game the other night and he only dropped 19! thats garbage. sure his team was up 30 at the end of the 3rd and he had swets on all 4th quarter. OO and someone teach that bryant cat how to ball. they should both be on the list.
C Fatz Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 5:50 pm
Go ahead,say it
Lamar Odom , who was supposed to have rededicated himself after going soft in the finals
Tyson Chandler - what happened there?
Antawn Jamison should be doing 25-12 in Gil Arenas absence
Face it we all thought Mike Beasley would be far ahead of where he is now.
AK-47 Kirilenko - should be hitting all star stride with Boozer out with injury
Thaddeus Young was supposed to be break out.
All we expect from Ben Wallace are rebounds and swats and he’s not delivering either
When is Marvin WIlliams ever going to show any kind of consistency
on the flip side for this season we have some pleasant surprises
Brook Lopez is having a better than
Break out Devin Harris, before the injury that is
Nene pulling his career together
Shaq reclaiming his past glory
and what can you say about Danny Granger, he is lighting up the league these guys are like a reverse disappointment, I guess that’s called a pleasant surprise.
BA Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 7:12 pm
Boozer, anyone???
B-Ball Knowledge Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 8:13 pm
Good list. Elton brand, sad to say, should be on this list as well. Although I believe it’s the way the Sixers are/were using him that affected his game most (a low post scorer should be put in the low post, not at the elbow Mo Cheeks!!)
Most players on the list have had injury issues, so that’s gotta be taken into account.
Oh and “Amare Critic”…..Steve Nash seems to be having the same affect he had prior to D’Antoni. Maybe you need to actually pay attention, and realize Nash was actually the one that was made better by D’Antoni!
(Marion was an all-star and Olympian BEFORE Nash. And Amare after returning from an ankle injury averaged 24 & 10 in the last 30 to 35 games of 2003/2004)
Jared Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 8:35 pm
One little tweak. Jason Kidd WAS off to a really good start. He wasn’t scoring but that was alright because he was doing so much else. Now, he’s been a big part of a very bad month.
Steven Said,
January 13, 2009 @ 9:05 pm
when i saw this the first name i though of was elton brand…i dont know how he isnt on this list..also if you expected alot from kidd after cp3 lit him up in the playoffs then you must be crazy its pretty clear that he has slown down but hes getting up there in age you cant really expect that much
my list
elton brand
loul deng
jermaine o neal
richard hamilton (all that crying about the trade and not getting shots is annoying man up)
andre iguodala (he hasnt lived lived up to that big contract all of his numbers are down this year)
shawn marion
Jason Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 4:11 am
lol, even the writer of the article forgot about Elton Brand, yeah, Elton Brand. I am a Sixer fans, they signed the Brand last off season, and they should be as good as the Magics this season, but what end up is they are not in playoff now. They are actually play better without him, so I think at some point, they should think about trade him back to LA and got a pick or expire contact and hope to sign D.Wade or Chris Bosh later.
So as Toronto, I think they are better without O’Neal, I bet his day in Toronto is numbered. Basketball is very athletic sport, those old and injuried player are run out of gas, I think Andrea Bargnani is way better than the old man.
Jason Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 4:17 am
T-mac’s day as super star is behind him. I think there have another T-mac, whose name is Danny Granger, I love this player. I think his future will be greater than Tracy McGrady. He is longer, can shoot from way beyond the arc. But I think Larry Bird have to find a solid PG such as Bullip and a real big name not named Jeff Foster or Tory Mury to help him on the low post.
The future super star on the wings are Kevin Durant, Rudy Gay, OJ Mayo, Kevin Martin, Danny Granger, Josh Smith. Deng, Igadola and Williams are close to those category.
Jason Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 4:23 am
power ranking when playoff begin
East:
1.Cleveland
2.Boston
3.Orlando
4.Detroit
5.Atlanta
6.Toronto
7.Miami
8.PHI
9.New Jersey
10.Mil
11.chi
12.New York
13.Cha
14.ind
15.washington
west
1.LA Laker
2.San Antonio
3.Houston
4.New Orleans
5.Phoenix
6.Denver
7.Portland
8.Dallas
9.Utah
10.GS
11.Min
12.Memphis
13.SAC
14.LAC
15.OkC
Brian Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Narducci is a terrible, terrible, writer. From the three sentences he writes about Ricky Davis, two start with an introductory clause noting that Davis is “known for instant offense.” While this is true, it does not merit being mentioned in 66% of the sentences about the guy. Narducci has a penchant for terrible introductory clauses; see also the following sentence about Mike Miller: “Never known as a great defender, Miller has the ability to stretch defenses.” The the two halves of this sentence have little to do with each other. The way Narducci slapped it together is awkward. For this sentence to make sense, the second clause must be changed: “Never known as a great defender, Miller is having his worst defensive season with an appallingly low 9 steals on the season.” OR “Never known as a great defender, but his ability to stretch defenses has made him a fantasy gem as it led to his respectable scoring and assist averages. ”
C’mon, man. If you can write, write. If you can’t, don’t. We don’t want to read something you slapped together at the last minute without even reading over. You forgot Elton Brand for Christ’s sake.
Disclaimer: If you’re just some high school kid or something, take this as a compliment because I’m assuming you’ve had more time to develop journalistic writing skills.
Andre Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 12:52 pm
Forgot Elton Brand
Marie Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
How about Carlos Boozer?
Lucy Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 6:15 pm
I think he means that Ricky Davis has been known for instant offense.
Nellie Said,
January 14, 2009 @ 7:15 pm
What about that $66 million player that broke his ankle in the summer riding a moped? The Warriors weren’t going anywhere this year, but we expected some respectability after a Playoff run in 2007 and then a 48-win season last year. Monta better get back to his “quickest dude in the NBA” ways or Management is voiding your contract!
Mike Miller is horrible this year. He could breakout for 30 on any given night last year. Now he’s lucky to make two or three shots a night….
José Said,
January 15, 2009 @ 3:33 pm
Kidd? He is old, for god’s sake!.
T-Mac, J O’neal? too many injuries grounded their athetlic game.
Dalembert has no excuse.
Hustla Said,
January 15, 2009 @ 5:34 pm
Brand is avg 16/10 coming off an injury to a new team. It’s not his fault he came to a team with ZERO shooters around him. As soon as he touched the rock, he was doubled. So he kicked it to Ig, Green, Miller, LWill, & Thad and got BRICKS!!!! They surrounded him with bricklayers. It took 1/3 of the season for someone to start making a friggin jumpshot. If anything add IgoDOLLAR to the list for getting $80 mil then taking 30+ games to hit a jumpshot.
maw Said,
January 16, 2009 @ 2:35 am
Jason Kidd - Remember when Dallas traded their FUTURE for their PRESENT(Devin Hariss - Jason Kidd) to finally go over the hump and win the championship? Well at PRESENT, they seem to be far far away from winning any gold.
Luol Deng - Has a big fat juicy contract. He’s injured right now so let’s wait on him.
Allen Iverson - The day the trade was made, everybody was putting Detroit over Boston and Cleveland. Doesn’t look like that now.
Ron Artest - Same with Kidd and Iverson, the player who was expected to finally bring the championship to Houston. Now you have two players(Artest and McGrady) who have awful awful shot selection. Houston, we have a problem.
Baron Davis - He was great in Golden State because he can jack up all the shots he wanted. Now he’s having problems with Mike Dunleavy because he wants his point guard to actually run plays. Boy I didn’t see that coming… NOT!
Richard Jefferson - Milwaukee’s lineup sure looks good in Playstation with Jefferson added to Redd, Bogut, Villanueva, and Sessions.
Greg Oden - After waiting for a year to see this guy play, my expectations definitely have been lowered.
Elton Brand - Yeah he made Philadelphia really really good, in Playstation.
Phoenix Suns - They’re the top rated team, again in my Playstation. With all that talent, how can this team not be on the top spot in the West?
Jermain O’neal - His huge contract is expiring so Toronto really had a backup plan in case O’neal continues his injured streak again which I think we all saw coming.
Gilbert Arenas - Getting injured just after you sign your $100 million contract extension, good luck Washington front office.
eduardo Said,
January 16, 2009 @ 8:43 pm
Brad Miller - After a resurgence last season, he is giving no effort and should be traded too.
dsafsadf Said,
January 17, 2009 @ 8:26 pm
this article was quite inaccurate.. some one like ricky davis was never good and JO and tmac were already injury prone, what do you expect? JASON KIDD IS OLD AND WASHED UP 8 pts and 8 assists is all you should expect from him, so marc please write something a lil more truthful
Veysey Said,
January 18, 2009 @ 2:33 am
Mike Conley, good little player, I do believe. I think it would benefit him to be traded, to a team that could also have someone benefit from it, ODEN!
Read the article on Oden’s play this season(nba.com). It talks about how he believes he is not living up to expectations, being the # 1 draft pick and not putting Shaq like numbers up. I think if Conley could be traded to Portland, he would excelled, as would Oden. Therefore, come on BLAZERS! quit your threats and trade up for Conley. Good friends, and college teammates.
macfromsac Said,
January 20, 2009 @ 11:25 am
I think that the biggest dissapointment was left off the lists.Beno Udrih! last year he was a big win for sac and was a big free agent he signed a big contract with the kings and hasnt even shown up to play. Watch for him to be traded by the trade deadline.
Ghana Boi Said,
January 20, 2009 @ 1:41 pm
Mike Miller is good but i don blame him…hes playin 4 a really bad team…he needs 2 go 2 a betta team
Barbosa was struggling a little bcuz of the death of his mother….so he shouldnt b in this list….hes startin 2 play betta now
Jason Kidd…iunno why he went 2 dallas out of all the teams
Baron Davis…doesnt really care bout the way hes playin…hes juss happy dat hes playin at home
Iverson…is juss to hard 2 play with…you have 2 adjust 2 his style of play…n i think the pistons made a big mistake
Jermaine Oneal….hes not even 100%…. he looks a little heavy and he should juss retire…don get me wrong he use 2 b a great player
Suns…how do u expect them 2 be the best in the west….wen u got the Lakers dere…buh i styl think dey can make noise in the west…dey jus have 2 adjust 2 Shaq’s style of play
c money Said,
January 21, 2009 @ 10:46 am
hustla, they did not suround him with non shooters…..they were there long before he backed out on the Clips….and they were a playoff team….AND they’ve been better since he’s been out….
I do not agree with the list as a whole it is title lowered expectations…right?
Dalembert had ONE breakout season which highered expectations. He was primarily a defensive specialists who scored mainly off of offensive rebounds, now they have splitting focus on offense.
Ricky Davis - are you serious? whoever had expectation for the mad Jacker? what has he EVER done but be on a losing team every year of his career (it seems)? Instant offense? Instant bad shot selection and ball hogging!!
Iverson is what he is….a scoring machine. My expectations of Iverson are no lower, nor are my expectations for DET to make it to the Eastern Conf. Finals any lower since acquiring him. Trading away BILLUPS changed the dynamics of the team. Iverson and Rip cannot coexists on the court at the same time. Until one of the 2 stars decide that he is better suited coming of the bench for the team they will suffer.
Iguodala- one of most overated overpaid 3rd options in nba history. He is a solid deffensive player….and thats about it. Dunking is not worth 4 points.
Lowered expectations because:
injuries - T-Mac, JO
KARMA - Boozer, Brand, Francis
Overated - JJ Redick, Morrison, Marrion
Old - J Kidd