Young NBA Players on the Brink of Becoming Busts: A Look at Potential Career Crossroads

Every NBA season brings with it fresh opportunities and challenges for players across the league, regardless of their status. For the stars, it’s about building legacies, chasing championships, and competing for accolades. Meanwhile, role players strive to make a significant impact in their niche roles, hoping to secure contracts and prolong their careers. But at the opposite end of the spectrum, a subset of young players is battling to find their footing in the league. These players, once filled with promise and high expectations, are at risk of being labeled “busts” if they fail to live up to the hype soon. Let’s examine the career trajectories of five young NBA players who, despite having a few seasons under their belts, need to step up or risk losing their spots in the league altogether.

1. Killian Hayes – Brooklyn Nets

Drafted seventh overall by the Detroit Pistons in 2020, Killian Hayes entered the league with a lot of promise as a creative ball-handler and a potential cornerstone for the franchise. Yet, Hayes has struggled to justify his high draft position. Despite maintaining a starting role for much of his four-year tenure with the Pistons, his individual improvement has been minimal, and his presence on the court has had a negative impact on Detroit’s offense. According to statistics, the Pistons’ offensive rating dipped by about five points per 100 possessions when Hayes was on the floor.

Hayes, now with the Brooklyn Nets, may be in his last chance to secure a long-term spot in the league. In Brooklyn, he is likely to fill a backup point guard role on a team with low expectations this season. The lack of pressure could work in Hayes’ favor, allowing him to focus on refining his game. However, if he fails to capitalize on this opportunity, he might find himself playing overseas sooner rather than later.

2. Moses Moody – Golden State Warriors

Moses Moody was a lottery pick in the 2021 draft, joining the Golden State Warriors with expectations of becoming a versatile 3-and-D player. His collegiate success, combined with his physical attributes, made him an enticing prospect. However, his transition to the NBA has been less than stellar. After three seasons, Moody has yet to secure a consistent role in the Warriors’ rotation, averaging a career-high of only eight points per game last season. His performance on the court has been decent, with league-average shooting efficiency, but his hesitation and lack of decisiveness have limited his effectiveness.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has pointed out that Moody needs to improve his decision-making on both ends of the court. This season, Moody faces increased competition for minutes, especially with the emergence of Brandon Podziemski and the additions of De’Anthony Melton and Buddy Hield. The path to regular playing time is narrowing, and without a marked improvement in his confidence and decisiveness, Moody’s time with the Warriors could be short-lived.

3. Davion Mitchell – Toronto Raptors

Davion Mitchell, drafted by the Sacramento Kings in 2021, was riding high after leading Baylor to an NCAA championship and earning a top-10 pick. Known for his elite on-ball defense, Mitchell has found some success in the NBA, but his offensive struggles have hindered his overall impact. In each of his three seasons, his role has diminished, along with his scoring output, which has stagnated at just five points per game over the last two seasons.

Despite his defensive prowess, Mitchell’s inconsistent perimeter shooting and questionable decision-making have limited his effectiveness. Now with the Toronto Raptors, Mitchell has another opportunity to prove himself. Raptors’ head coach Darko Rajaković has spoken about the team’s emphasis on perimeter defense and has encouraged Mitchell to play with more freedom on offense. If Mitchell can leverage this fresh start and find his rhythm on offense, he has a chance to avoid the dreaded bust label. However, if he continues to struggle, his time in the league could be limited.

4. Dyson Daniels – Atlanta Hawks

Dyson Daniels, drafted in 2022 by the New Orleans Pelicans, has a similar profile to Davion Mitchell as a top-tier perimeter defender with significant offensive limitations. While his basketball IQ and defensive acumen are evident, his shooting and ball-handling skills have not developed as expected. Daniels’ shooting woes are particularly concerning; he has converted just 31% of his three-point attempts, and his offensive game remains a work in progress.

This season, Daniels finds himself with the Atlanta Hawks, where he’ll have the opportunity to play alongside Trae Young and focus on defensive duties. The challenge for Daniels will be finding ways to contribute on offense. If he can develop into a reliable shooter and improve his ball-handling, he could find a niche role with the Hawks. Otherwise, his limitations may ultimately overshadow his defensive strengths, potentially cutting short his NBA career.

5. Johnny Davis – Washington Wizards

Johnny Davis, the 10th pick in the 2022 draft, might be the player closest to being labeled a bust on this list. Once seen as one of the most polished scorers in his draft class, Davis has struggled mightily at the NBA level. Over two seasons, he has spent a significant amount of time in the G-League, where his performance has been underwhelming. Even in the G-League, he has shot just 36% from the field and 21% from three-point range as a rookie, with only slight improvement in his sophomore season.

Despite being on a rebuilding team like the Wizards, Davis has not been able to secure a consistent role in the rotation. With a crowded backcourt that includes players like Bilal Coulibaly, Corey Kispert, and Jordan Poole, Davis is running out of time to prove himself. If he doesn’t show significant improvement soon, he may find himself out of the league.

Conclusion

For these young players, the upcoming season could be a turning point in their careers. The NBA is unforgiving, and the pressure to perform is relentless. Killian Hayes, Moses Moody, Davion Mitchell, Dyson Daniels, and Johnny Davis each have the talent to succeed, but they must address their weaknesses and take advantage of the opportunities before them. Whether they can make the necessary adjustments or succumb to the pressures of the league remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: the clock is ticking, and time is running out.