Life comes at you fast in the NBA. One minute, guys are being hailed as franchise guys, then the next, questions are being asked about whether or not they can deliver.
The NBA is all about “what have you done lately?” It is all about results, and sometimes, teams can run out of patience. Here are three players who are entering crucial seasons.
3. Scottie Barnes
Barnes is a Rookie of the Year winner, and a one-time All-Star, but it still remains unclear if he can be Toronto’s franchise player.
Barnes had a very up-and-down season last year. His counting stats remained similar to his other seasons, as he averaged 19 points per game, eight boards, and six assists. The concern is the fact that his efficiency dipped from last year to this past season.
Barnes only shot 44 percent from the field and 27 percent from three-point range. He made only 55 percent of his layups and shot only 26 percent on above-the-break threes. He was on the ball a lot more this year, as he had a career-high usage rate of 27 percent. The results were less than encouraging for the fourth-year forward.
The Raptors have an eye on competing this year, and in a weak East, they are very much in play for a playoff spot. Even if that’s the case, Toronto has to decide if Barnes is the one to lead them to contention, and this year will give them that answer. They drafted and paid him like a franchise player. Now he has to show it.
2. Ja Morant
Morant came into last season with a massive chip on his shoulder. Unfortunately, that did not help his performance on the court.
In 50 games, Morant averaged 23 PPG, and seven assists. He shot 45 percent from the field, his lowest percentage since his second season. He was not nearly the same player at the rim, as he was below league average in that area.
He once again struggled from three-point range, shooting only 31 percent from there. It was another nightmare season for the guard, which ended with him suffering a hip injury against the Thunder in the playoffs.
The Grizzlies still believe in Morant and want him to be their franchise player. The last two seasons have been discouraging for that mindset, as Morant has played only 59 games, and has battled numerous injuries. He needs to bounce back and show that he can still be an All-NBA level talent.
1. Trae Young
Young has lived off of that 2021 conference finals appearance for far too long. Since then, the Hawks have been stuck as play-in warriors in the Eastern Conference. Now, with the East up for grabs, he has no excuse but to produce results.
Atlanta had an amazing offseason, bringing in Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kennard. They drafted Asa Newell. The return of Jalen Johnson should provide a significant boost, and Dyson Daniels and Zaccharie Risacher are primed to build off of strong seasons last year.
Young has the perfect supporting cast surrounding him. He must deliver this season. He is eligible to sign an extension with the Hawks this offseason, but both sides are holding off for now. This is the best roster that they have surrounded him with in years. If Atlanta flames out in a weak East once again, then Young’s future will be in question with the organization.
