Most of the time, NBA superstars naturally elevate a crew. Their presence additional will increase a crew’s star energy, which frequently appears nice on paper. Nonetheless, what’s nice on paper will not all the time translate efficiently into the sport. The truth is, some superstars might fail by way of match, chemistry, and many others.
With numerous NBA superstars on the transfer through the 2024 NBA offseason, like Paul George joins the Philadelphia 76ers And Karl-Anthony Cities reportedly headed to the New York KnicksThis is a have a look at 10 previous NBA famous person acquisitions that failed.
Paul George – Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
After a number of deep runs with the Indiana Pacers, it did not take lengthy for George to need a change of surroundings. The All-Star ahead finally joined Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony in Oklahoma. Sadly, George and the Thunder by no means even made it previous the primary spherical in two seasons collectively.
Ben Simmons – Brooklyn Nets
Ben Simmons was as soon as a promising all-around participant who was even thought of a franchise cornerstone for the 76ers at one level. However after his falling out with the Sixers, he was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.
Nonetheless, Simmons has but to achieve his All-Star kind in Philadelphia. Along with his contract expiring quickly, Simmons’ NBA profession might be in jeopardy. Simmons desperately wants a wholesome season within the close to future.
Steve Nash – Los Angeles Lakers
After main a playoff-contending Suns crew, Steve Nash determined to finish his profession in Los Angeles. Right here he teamed up with Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard, Pau Gasol and Metta World Peace. Sadly, age and accidents have been the story of Nash’s time with the Lakers. Regardless of barely making the playoffs, the Lakers had been swept within the first spherical.
Popping out of an Achilles tendon damage, Kevin Durant signed with the Brooklyn Nets to kind, on paper, a formidable duo with Kyrie Irving. With the Nets, Durant confirmed his outdated kind. Nonetheless, he didn’t deliver some playoff success to Brooklyn by by no means making it previous the second spherical.
Sadly, it is the identical story for Durant in Phoenix after the Suns had been eradicated by the Timberwolves. However on condition that Durant continues to be with the Suns, the two-time NBA champion can nonetheless change the sport.
Kyrie Irving – Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets
Since leaving Cleveland, issues have not been as promising for Kyrie Irving. He failed to steer a promising Boston Celtics core, because the Celtics skilled extra success when Irving left the crew. Moreover, Irving’s partnership with Durant bore no fruit in Brooklyn.
Now in Dallas, Irving has a very good probability of creating issues occur with Luka Doncic and the Mavericks. Nonetheless, they nonetheless have a spot within the unforgiving Western Convention taking part in area.
James Harden – Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers
After having some success with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and the Houston Rockets, James Harden bounced round varied contenders in his quest for an NBA title. The previous MVP didn’t make issues occur in Brooklyn with Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving.
Furthermore, his dramatic transfer to Philadelphia was equally dramatic and unproductive. Now that he is becoming a member of the Clippers, Harden is hoping a crew with Kawhi Leonard can change the trajectory of his championship efforts.
Dwight Howard – Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards, Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets
When Dwight Howard drained in Orlando, the three-time Defensive Participant of the Yr demanded a commerce, which led him to Los Angeles. Howard’s first stint with the Lakers turned out to be a catastrophe. After that, Howard’s NBA profession went downhill.
Apart from an look within the Western Convention Finals with the Houston Rockets, Howard didn’t elevate the Wizards, Hawks and Hornets. Howard warmed as much as Lakers followers, after serving to the Purple and Gold win an NBA title in 2020 as a reserve.
Chris Paul – Los Angeles Clippers and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
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An NBA championship nearly eluded Chris Paul. He got here near a Finals look with the Rockets and a Finals look with the Suns, however nonetheless hasn’t received a championship.
However in comparison with his different stints, Paul didn’t take the Lob Metropolis Clippers past the second spherical. Plus, when he was unexpectedly traded to Oklahoma Metropolis for Russell Westbrook. CP3 merely could not lead a younger Thunder crew right into a deep playoff run.
Carmelo Anthony – New York Knicks, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder
Carmelo Anthony could not wait to get out of Denver, so he bulldozed his approach in by demanding a commerce that compelled Denver and the New York Knicks sacrifice their depth.
Melo had nice particular person success in New York, however didn’t translate that into crew victories, leading to early playoff exits. After that, Melo bounced round completely different suitors whereas making an attempt to be a second or third possibility. Nonetheless, the All-Star ahead simply could not adapt.
Russell Westbrook – Los Angeles Lakers, Washington Wizards and Houston Rockets
Russell Westbrook turned a professional star in Oklahoma Metropolis, successful the MVP award whereas averaging a triple-double. However after leaving Oklahoma Metropolis, Westbrook was looking for a championship.
He failed in Washington in a duo with Bradley Beal and upset in Houston when he teamed with fellow MVP James Harden. Nonetheless, his most disappointing stint was with the Lakers. Regardless of forming a trio with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Lakers did not even make the playoffs.
