The Pressure Cooker: Young NBA Players on the Verge of Busting in 2024

Every NBA season is a high-stakes game, not just for the superstars vying for championship rings and legacy-defining accolades, but for all players trying to prove their worth in a league where the stakes couldn’t be higher. From veteran stars cementing their legacies to rookies finding their footing, the NBA is a battlefield. For some players, however, time may be running out.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at four young NBA players who, despite entering the league with much fanfare, have yet to live up to expectations. With each passing season, they risk being labeled as busts. These players—Killian Hayes, Moses Moody, Davion Mitchell, and Johnny Davis—have flashes of potential but are running out of chances to secure their spots in the NBA.

1. Killian Hayes: The Brooklyn Nets’ Last Hope

Killian Hayes, who was the seventh overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons, had high hopes riding on him as a talented ball-handler with the potential to lead a team. His NBA career so far has been a series of unmet expectations and struggles with scoring, ultimately leading to his trade to the Brooklyn Nets.

During his four years with the Pistons, Hayes showed minimal improvement. He clung to a starting role, but his impact on the Pistons’ offense was not positive. In fact, with Hayes on the court, the Pistons’ offense often fell apart. His scoring woes, particularly beyond the three-point line, were a constant drawback. Hayes has never surpassed a 30% shooting average from deep in any season, which significantly limited his ability to spread the floor.

However, there is a silver lining. In Brooklyn, Hayes will have a new environment to revitalize his career. With a potential backup point guard position awaiting him and minimal expectations from a rebuilding team, Hayes could have a fresh start. The Nets will offer him a chance to find his groove without the pressure of a contending team. If Hayes can’t capitalize on this “last chance” opportunity, he may find himself looking to continue his career overseas.

2. Moses Moody: A Golden Opportunity Slipping Away

When the Golden State Warriors drafted Moses Moody in 2021, many believed he would thrive in a winning culture known for developing young talent. Drafted as a 3-and-D player, Moody possessed the physical attributes and skill set that scouts believed could make him a valuable two-way player. Three seasons later, however, Moody has yet to fully gain the trust of Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.

Moody’s lack of consistency has been a major setback. Although he achieved a career-high eight points per game last season, his overall impact on the court has been underwhelming. Kerr has cited Moody’s indecisive decision-making and lack of confidence as reasons for his limited minutes. Compounding his struggles, players like rookie Brandon Podziemski have found early success in the role that Moody was expected to fill.

With the Warriors adding more depth to their backcourt by signing veterans such as De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield, Moody’s path to significant playing time has become even more difficult. For Moody, this season could be a make-or-break moment as he fights to prove that he belongs in a competitive rotation.

3. Davion Mitchell: Defensive Specialist at a Crossroads

Davion Mitchell was a standout in college basketball, leading Baylor to a National Championship in 2021. The Sacramento Kings selected him in the top 10 that same year, hoping to utilize his elite on-ball defense. Despite his defensive prowess, Mitchell’s struggles on the offensive end have limited his growth in the NBA.

Mitchell’s offensive production has regressed since his rookie season, with his scoring output declining each year. His struggles as a shooter and playmaker have prevented him from finding a consistent role. While Mitchell has established himself as a tenacious defender, his lack of offensive versatility makes it difficult for him to secure significant playing time.

Now with the Toronto Raptors, Mitchell has a renewed opportunity to develop. Raptors coaches have praised his defensive abilities, indicating that they will focus on his strengths. They’ve also encouraged him to embrace a more free-flowing offensive role, using pick-and-roll opportunities to facilitate and score. If he can capitalize on this fresh start, Mitchell might finally show the NBA what he’s capable of beyond defense.

4. Johnny Davis: Struggling to Find His Place in Washington

The Washington Wizards selected Johnny Davis with the tenth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. Regarded as one of the most versatile scorers in his draft class, Davis was expected to be an immediate impact player for the Wizards. Instead, he has spent much of his first two seasons in the G-League, struggling to adjust to the NBA’s faster pace and physicality.

Davis’ performance in the G-League has been less than impressive, with low shooting percentages and lackluster scoring. While he improved slightly last season, averaging 12 points per game with better shooting efficiency, it still hasn’t been enough to justify his draft position. The Wizards have an abundance of guards, and Davis has not yet shown enough to earn consistent playing time.

With players like Bilal Coulibaly and Jordan Poole likely ahead of him on the depth chart, Davis must find a way to prove himself quickly. If he can’t make strides this season, his NBA future might be in jeopardy.

The Clock Is Ticking

The journey of an NBA player is a marathon, not a sprint. However, for these young players, the clock is ticking. The NBA is a league of constant change, and while potential can earn players initial opportunities, it’s performance that ultimately secures their careers. Killian Hayes, Moses Moody, Davion Mitchell, and Johnny Davis each have distinct talents, but their weaknesses are glaring and could derail their careers if left unaddressed.

This season represents a turning point for each of them. They have the talent; they need to put it all together. If they can, their labels will change from “bust” to “comeback story.” If not, they risk becoming cautionary tales in the harsh, unforgiving world of professional basketball.