The 2025-26 NBA season has revealed a surprising trend: several once-promising stars are now leading a team dubbed the All-Disappointment Squad. The spotlight is on three Southern point guards—Trae Young, Ja Morant, and LaMelo Ball—who have seen their careers take unexpected turns since their All-Star appearances in 2022.
In an era where expectations were soaring, none of these players have managed to win a playoff series since their respective teams achieved significant success in 2022. Back then, the Atlanta Hawks reached the Eastern Conference finals, the Charlotte Hornets won 43 games, and the Memphis Grizzlies secured the second seed in the Western Conference. As of December 2025, both the Hawks and Grizzlies are fighting for a Play-In spot, while Ball’s Hornets are headed for another draft lottery.
The drop in performance for these players is not solely attributed to injuries. While each has faced health challenges, broader issues such as defensive shortcomings and stalled development have played significant roles. Young has become a potential free agent, with no contract extension in sight. Morant’s inconsistency has prompted a major offseason reset for the Grizzlies, and Ball has found himself the subject of trade discussions.
Key Players on the Disappointment List
Ja Morant tops the list as the most disappointing player of the season. His sporadic availability—only 18 games played so far—combined with a decline in performance raise concerns. Morant’s shooting percentage stands at a dismal 40.2 percent, and his three-point shooting has plummeted to 21.3 percent. His defensive efforts have been minimal, and the Grizzlies are struggling to find consistency with him on the court.
Following closely is LaMelo Ball, who has yet to play more than 47 games in a season since his All-Star selection. Despite having the highest assist rate of his career, Ball’s scoring has suffered due to poor shot selection and finishing issues. His three-point shooting averages 35 percent this season, with a concerning 45.3 percent from two-point range. His defensive play has also drawn criticism, raising questions about his long-term potential as a franchise player.
Trae Young has had a healthier career trajectory until this season, where a knee injury has limited him to fewer than a dozen games. Young’s scoring and assist numbers have dropped, with his PER (Player Efficiency Rating) at an alarming low of 18.3. The league changes around foul drawing have also affected his game, leading to a decline in his shooting percentage.
Additional Notable Disappointments
While the Southern point guard trio steals the spotlight, other players have also failed to meet expectations. Paolo Banchero has not taken the leap many expected in his fourth season with the Orlando Magic. His shot attempts have significantly decreased, and he has struggled to find his rhythm on both ends of the court.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green has also seen a decline in performance. His offensive contributions are down, and he leads the league in turnovers, which has negatively impacted the Warriors’ overall efficiency.
The Indiana Pacers face challenges with their recent draft picks, including Bennedict Mathurin, Jarace Walker, and Ben Sheppard, who have failed to provide the expected impact. After an impressive run to the NBA Finals, Mathurin’s regression has been evident, while Walker and Sheppard’s struggles highlight the difficulties the team faces moving forward.
As the 2025-26 season progresses, it remains to be seen if any of these players can turn their fortunes around. Many of them are still in their prime, with Young only 27, Morant 26, and Ball 24. Their respective teams will be monitoring their development closely, as the future of these franchises may depend on their ability to recapture the form that once made them stars.
