The NBA season is closing in on one month of action. With many ups and downs for every team, this article will look at the downs. Taking into consideration production, availability, and expectations, these are the most disappointing players on every team in the Atlantic Division.
Philadelphia 76ers: Jared McCain
Jared McCain has been the most disappointing Philadelphia 76ers player, but it has nothing to do with anything he can control. The second-year guard has seen his early years destroyed by injuries. This has impacted his play to begin the season, leading him to be sent to the G League in hopes that he can return to an NBA level of play.
McCain entered training camp with hopes of starting next to Tyrese Maxey in the Sixers’ backcourt. His poor shooting and limited minutes since his return make him the most disappointing 76er so far.
New York Knicks: Guerschon Yabusele
Guerschon Yabusele was viewed as a big-time addition for the New York Knicks this NBA offseason. He was expected to be a vital part of their new and improved bench unit. This has not been the case in any way.
Yabusele has appeared out of shape and unable to contribute in any positive fashion. From a key contributor on the 76ers last season to barely holding onto a rotation spot in New York, he has not been what the Knicks needed him to be.
Toronto Raptors: Ja’Kobe Walter
Ja’Kobe Walter was the 19th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft by the Toronto Raptors. After a subpar rookie season where he averaged more than 20 minutes a night, Toronto was looking for some signs of improvement in the new season.
Walter has not shown anything indicating he might turn into something through the early portions of 2025. He has seen a severe drop in minutes, down to about 11 a night, and has done nothing with the limited time he’s receiving.
Boston Celtics: Derrick White
Derrick White was expected to be a co-star in the Boston Celtics’ bridge year, but his poor shooting has not allowed that to be the case. He is shooting under 30% from beyond the arc and 35% from the field. The Celtics have not had the best start to this NBA season, and he has been a reason for that.
White was supposed to shine next to Jaylen Brown in the absence of All-NBA superstar Jayson Tatum. The elite role player has not been able to contribute in the way of a top option. He has been disappointing due to the extremely high expectations heading into the year, and he just hasn’t lived up to them at all.
Brooklyn Nets: 2025 First Round Picks
The Brooklyn Nets had FIVE first-round picks in the 2025 NBA draft. One would think that surely a few of them are contributing, but nope. None of the five picks has averaged more than seven minutes a night.
The Nets’ season has been highlighted by veterans’ shot-chucking and losing games. This very well could be a perfect example of coaching malpractice, or even higher levels with organizational malpractice. How is it possible to have five first-round picks, yet have zero faith in any of them to even give them a chance to develop?
Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Danny Wolf, and Ben Saraf are being failed by the Nets. Allowing Michael Porter Jr and Cam Thomas to take around 40 shots a night while young rookies sit on the bench is just not right. In no way is Brooklyn attempting to win, so there is no reason to have these five rotting away.
End Of My NBA Rant
The NBA season is still young, so the disappointing start to the season for these players is not the end of the world. They have enough time to turn around their season, and hopefully, in the Nets’ case, just get an opportunity.