Tyrese Haliburton heard the noise loud and clear. Voted by his friends because the NBA’s “most overrated” participant in an nameless ballot, the Indiana Pacers star has responded with precisely the type of postseason assertion you’d count on from a franchise cornerstone.
Main the Pacers to a surprising 4-1 beatdown over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, and now up 2-0 in opposition to the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers, Haliburton is averaging 18.4 factors and 10.7 assists per sport whereas controlling the tempo like a seasoned playoff veteran. Overrated? Not even shut.
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However not everybody can say the identical. As we hit the halfway level of the second spherical, this postseason has uncovered plenty of big-name stars who haven’t lived as much as their billing.
Some, like James Harden and Jalen Inexperienced, flamed out within the first spherical with underwhelming performances that left their groups questioning about their futures. Others, nonetheless energetic, are struggling badly with effectivity and affect, and they are going to be referred to as out as nicely.
On this piece, we’re rating the gamers who’ve been essentially the most disappointing to date within the 2025 NBA Playoffs. Haliburton has silenced his critics however the identical can’t be mentioned for these struggling stars.
1. James Harden
Could 3, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; LA Clippers guard James Harden (1) prepares to move the ball within the second quarter in opposition to the Denver Nuggets throughout sport seven of first spherical for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Area. Necessary Credit score: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos© Ron Chenoy-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 18.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 9.1 APG, 1.3 SPG, 1.0 BPG
James Harden’s postseason meltdown was inconceivable to disregard. Towards the Denver Nuggets within the first spherical, Harden seemed like a shell of the participant who was as soon as an MVP. His averages hovered round 18.7 factors, 9.1 assists, and 5.4 rebounds, however the effectivity was brutal; he shot 43.6% from the sector and disappeared when the Los Angeles Clippers wanted him most.
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Recreation 7 summed up the Harden playoff expertise: passive, turnover-prone, and a step sluggish defensively. Placing up 7 factors on 2-8 capturing is unacceptable, and it sadly provides to The Beard’s poor report in massive video games.
We now have to confess it, Harden has made postseason collapses a part of his legacy. His lack of ability to create offense in a do-or-die sport was evident in opposition to a workforce like Denver. The Clippers misplaced as a result of Denver has the higher workforce, sure, however Harden was introduced in to be a game-changer. As a substitute, he barely seemed like a 3rd choice.
2. Jalen Inexperienced
Jan 5, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Jalen Inexperienced (4) reacts after being referred to as for his fifth private foul in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers within the third quarter at Toyota Heart.Necessary Credit score: Thomas Shea-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 21.0 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 3.4 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
After a incredible common season that noticed Jalen Inexperienced common 21.0 factors per sport, his playoff exhibiting was a nightmare. Within the seven-game conflict in opposition to the Warriors, Inexperienced managed solely 13.3 factors per sport on dreadful effectivity (29.5% from three and 37.2% from the sector).
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His lack of ability to adapt to playoff defenses and rise to the second value the Houston Rockets dearly, particularly within the decisive Recreation 7 at dwelling (8 factors on 3-8 capturing). What’s worse is that Inexperienced’s confidence appeared to fade sport by sport.
His shot choice turned extra erratic, and he was routinely shut down when he had the ball. Whereas Houston’s future remains to be shiny, Inexperienced’s inventory as a ‘franchise cornerstone’ has taken a large hit, a lot in order that he is now reportedly being shopped in main commerce talks this summer time.
3. Jayson Tatum
Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla with ahead Jayson Tatum (0) look on from the sideline as they tackle the Denver Nuggets at TD Backyard. Necessary Credit score: David Butler II-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit score: David Butler II-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 26.8 PPG, 12.5 RPG, 5.3 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Jayson Tatum has been atrocious offensively by his requirements in opposition to the Knicks within the second spherical. Whereas he’s posting superb averages for the playoffs, 26.8 factors, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per sport, the inefficiency and passivity throughout key moments within the second spherical have been regarding, and we will not give him a move. To be honest to Tatum, he hasn’t given himself one, both.
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Tatum has endured back-to-back low-efficiency capturing nights, and he’s been a non-factor within the second spherical. Towards the Knicks, Tatum is simply averaging 18.0 PPG on 28.6% from the sector and 25.0% from three, and he’s primarily answerable for blowing back-to-back 20-point leads and falling 0-2 within the collection.
Boston doesn’t simply want Tatum to be good, they want him to be nice to return again in opposition to the Knicks, not to mention win the title. The famous person’s tendency to accept contested jumpers has created actual frustration amongst Celtics followers who anticipated an MVP-level playoff run and has as a substitute confirmed to be overrated.
4. Jaylen Brown
Boston Celtics ahead Jaylen Brown (7) and Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) speak through the first half in opposition to the Memphis Grizzlies at TD Backyard. Necessary Credit score: Paul Rutherford-Imagn ImagesCredit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 22.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Jaylen Brown’s playoff numbers look good at first look, 22.6 factors and seven.3 rebounds per sport, however like Tatum, his decision-making stays wildly inconsistent. His offensive inconsistency remains to be a evident weak point, with too many sloppy turnovers and dangerous misses below stress.
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Towards New York, these errors have confirmed deadly. The Celtics are down 0-2, and whereas Tatum will get the majority of the blame, Jaylen Brown is correct behind as a result of he’s solely posting 21.5 factors per sport on 34.9% from the sector and 17.6% from three.
Brown’s athleticism and toughness are simple, however in key stretches of video games to date, he typically hijacks Boston’s offense with compelled drives and mid-range jumpers. For somebody on a supermax contract, you count on just a little extra polish and composure than what Brown has proven up to now.
5. Michael Porter Jr.
Denver Nuggets ahead Michael Porter Jr. (1) squints after a play in opposition to the Golden State Warriors through the third quarter at Chase Heart. Necessary Credit score: Kelley L Cox-Imagn ImagesCredit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 9.6 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Michael Porter Jr. continues to frustrate Nuggets followers along with his playoff performances. His averages, 9.6 factors and 5.4 rebounds, are merely unacceptable for the third choice on the workforce. Porter’s capturing has been inconsistent at finest (39.2% from the sector), and he typically fades away fully when defenses flip up the physicality.
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Denver wants Porter to be the third star behind Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, however far too typically, Porter settles into the background. His defensive lapses have additionally damage the Nuggets, because the workforce was compelled into Recreation 7 within the first spherical, and it does not assist that his workforce was destroyed by 43 factors in Recreation 2 in opposition to the OKC Thunder within the second spherical. Porter Jr. is a really succesful shooter, however it’s laborious to disclaim that he’s merely overrated.
6. Austin Reaves
Apr 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) dribbles the ball in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves throughout sport three of first spherical for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Goal Heart. Necessary Credit score: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Photos© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 16.2 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.2 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Austin Reaves was anticipated to take a leap this postseason after being one of many Lakers’ shiny spots in 2024-25. As a substitute, he took a step backward. He posted 16.2 factors per sport within the first spherical, however these numbers look fairly dangerous subsequent to his regular-season common of 20.2 PPG.
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When the Lakers wanted him to create offense subsequent to Luka Doncic and LeBron James, Reaves typically got here up empty. Reaves’ lack of measurement and athleticism was uncovered badly by Minnesota’s guards, and he struggled to generate clear seems to be.
His protection, as soon as quietly strong, regressed too. If Reaves desires to be thought-about a professional third choice on a contending workforce, these sorts of playoff performances gained’t reduce it, and the Lakers might need to power their hand this summer time in consequence.
7. Ja Morant
Apr 1, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) seems to be on through the fourth quarter in opposition to the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Necessary Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 18.3 PPG, 2.0 RPG, 5.0 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Ja Morant’s stats aren’t nice, and it does not assist that he solely performed 3 video games within the postseason. Regardless, Morant’s effectivity cratered, and the Grizzlies bowed out meekly in a first-round sweep.
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Worse but, Morant’s management got here below hearth once more after inconsistent power and lapses in massive moments. It truly stemmed from the common season with foolish “celebrations” that gave him fines, however the postseason solidified that the purpose guard is sadly overrated.
Ja stays one of the vital electrical athletes within the league, however the query now’s whether or not he may be the engine of a severe title contender. Till he evolves previous being only a spotlight machine, he’ll proceed to go away followers (and Memphis’ entrance workplace) wanting extra.
8. Jaren Jackson Jr.
Apr 26, 2025; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Memphis Grizzlies ahead Jaren Jackson Jr. (13) dribbles as Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) defends through the first quarterduring sport 4 for the primary spherical of the 2024 NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Necessary Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photos Necessary Credit score: Petre Thomas-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 16.0 PPG, 5.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Jaren Jackson Jr. was presupposed to be a defensive anchor for the Grizzlies this postseason and kind a dynamic duo with Ja Morant. As a substitute, he struggled with rebounding and seemed overwhelmed at occasions.
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His scoring dipped to about 16.0 factors per sport, and he was typically outplayed on each ends by Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. The Defensive Participant of the 12 months dialog now seems to be like historical historical past.
JJJ’s lack of rebounding (particularly for a giant man) damage Memphis badly in opposition to the Thunder’s relentless offense. Whereas the expertise is simple, Jackson’s postseason exhibiting revealed he nonetheless has a protracted solution to go earlier than he may be trusted as a playoff difference-maker.
9. Norman Powell
Salt Lake Metropolis, Utah, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Norman Powell (24) and head coach Tyronn Lue communicate throughout a break in motion in opposition to the Utah Jazz within the second half at Delta Heart. Necessary Credit score: Rob Grey-Imagn ImagesMandatory Credit score: Rob Grey-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 16.0 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Norman Powell was a non-factor for the Clippers in opposition to Denver, at the very least in comparison with his requirements. His scoring dropped off considerably, at 16.0 factors per sport, and he shot poorly from three (35.0%). Powell was thrust into a much bigger function, as he was within the common season when he was an All-Star snub, and he merely could not ship.
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Powell’s limitations have been additionally uncovered by Denver’s greater wings. For a participant who was supposed to supply microwave scoring, his playoff efficiency was something however inspiring. It was dangerous sufficient that Harden did not carry out, however the Clippers wanted Powell to extend his scoring, not let it dip from 21.8 PPG to 16.0 PPG.
10. Kyle Kuzma
Apr 27, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks ahead Kyle Kuzma (18) reacts within the third quarter in opposition to the Indiana Pacers throughout sport 4 of first spherical for the 2024 NBA Playoffs at Fiserv Discussion board. Necessary Credit score: Benny Sieu-Imagn Photos Necessary Credit score: Benny Sieu-Imagn Photos
2024-25 Postseason Statistics: 5.8 PPG, 2.2 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.0 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Kyle Kuzma had arguably the worst postseason exhibiting of any semi-big title. After being acquired midseason by Milwaukee, Kuzma completely collapsed in opposition to Indiana. He averaged simply 5.8 factors per sport on horrific capturing splits, wanting completely misplaced inside the Bucks’ offense.
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Kuzma’s lack of ability to create offense in opposition to playoff-level defenders, mixed along with his inconsistent protection, made him borderline unplayable at occasions. For a participant who fancies himself a borderline star, this collection was a humbling reminder that Kuzma would possibly simply be a flashy regular-season participant and little extra.
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