Tyson’s Most Disappointing NBA Teams
The start of a new NBA season brings excitement, optimism, and high expectations for fans and franchises alike. With off-season moves made, rosters revamped, and championship aspirations kindled, momentum is built, or cracks begin to show in the early months. For some teams, the opening stretch has been anything but smooth, leaving fans and analysts wondering what went wrong. In this article, we’ll look at three NBA teams that have underperformed so far this season. Despite entering the year with considerable promise, these squads have stumbled out of the gate, plagued by poor execution, unexpected challenges, or a failure to meet expectations. While it’s still early, their struggles have become one of the season's most intriguing storylines.
76ers
One of the most glaring examples this season has been the Philadelphia 76ers. Coming into the year with championship aspirations, their 7-15 record paints a bleak picture. Labeling their performance as underwhelming feels generous. After an aggressive off-season that brought in Paul George to form a big three alongside Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid, the Sixers seemed poised for a dominant campaign. However, injuries have derailed their plans, with Embiid and George struggling to stay on the court. Worse, Embiid’s lack of leadership has compounded the team’s woes, making this season a nightmare for Nick Nurse in his second year as head coach. The lone bright spot? Rookie Jared McCain, whose flashes of brilliance suggest the makings of a future star. Yet, for the 76ers to salvage this season, they must get healthy and dramatically improve their consistency, especially in an Eastern Conference far from its strongest.
Kings
One of the most puzzling starts to the season belongs to the Sacramento Kings. At 11-13, the Kings were plagued by inconsistency, with injuries to key players like DeMar DeRozan and Malik Monk, each missing four or more games, amplifying their struggles. Beyond the injuries, questionable coaching decisions and flawed roster construction have left this team lacking depth and size, issues that have repeatedly exposed them in key matchups. Two significant weaknesses have defined Sacramento’s woes: three-point shooting and perimeter defense. The Kings’ best shooters, Kevin Huerter and Keegan Murray, have been underwhelming, contributing to the team’s erratic offense. Meanwhile, their inability to defend the three-point line has allowed opponents to exploit them regularly. If the Kings hope to stabilize their season, addressing these issues via trade seems essential. Adding a wing or a big man, perhaps both, could provide the depth and defensive presence they desperately need to compete more effectively in a competitive Western Conference.
Pelicans
Another team off to a disheartening start is the New Orleans Pelicans, whose 5-19 record underscores their ongoing battle with misfortune. Injury woes have become a perennial problem for this franchise, and this season has been no exception. After making a blockbuster trade for Dejounte Murray, the Pelicans lost him to injury in the very first game of the season. The bad luck didn’t stop there, with Zion Williamson, Herb Jones, and CJ McCollum all missing significant time. Despite their dismal record, the Pelicans have been competitive in many games, showcasing the fight and resilience of their supporting cast. However, this raises a difficult question: at what point does the front office reassess its core? With injuries derailing their seasons year after year, it may be time to reconsider the roster’s composition and make tough decisions about players who have been mainstays during this frustrating era. For now, the Pelicans’ primary focus will be on getting healthy. Still, their early struggles suggest deeper issues that might require structural changes to escape the cycle of unrealized potential finally.
The NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint, and for teams like the 76ers, Kings, and Pelicans, there is still time to right the ship. However, their early-season struggles have exposed fundamental issues beyond bad luck or slow starts. From injuries to questionable roster construction and even lapses in leadership and execution, these teams must meet their preseason expectations. While each franchise faces its own unique set of challenges, the underlying theme is the same: unrealized potential. Whether it’s finding consistency, making key adjustments, or reevaluating the core of their rosters, these teams must act quickly if they want to salvage their seasons. The road ahead won’t be easy, but in a league where surprises are never far away, there’s always the possibility for a turnaround if they can confront their issues head-on.
