Five NBA Youngsters Struggling to Shake the “Bust” Label in the 2025-26 Season
The NBA is a league of high expectations, especially for young players. Rookies and sophomores are expected to show steady improvement, flash their potential, and justify the faith their teams placed in them on draft night. However, not every prospect lives up to the hype, and when that happens, the dreaded “bust” label starts to creep in. While it’s important to exercise patience with young players, there comes a point where a lack of development raises serious concerns about their future in the league.
This season, several young players who entered the NBA with significant promise are struggling to meet expectations. Here’s a look at five players who are failing to beat the “bust” allegations in the 2025-26 season.
1. Rob Dillingham (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Rob Dillingham entered the NBA with high expectations as the eighth pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. Coming out of Kentucky, he was seen as one of the most creative on-ball scorers in his class. His shiftiness, quick trigger on pull-up jumpers, and playmaking ability had scouts comparing him to a Lou Williams-type spark plug. However, concerns about his size—measuring just 6’1″ and weighing 164 pounds at the combine—raised red flags about his ability to handle the physicality of the NBA.
As a rookie, Dillingham struggled to find his footing. The Timberwolves, fresh off a trip to the Western Conference Finals, were in win-now mode and had little patience for the mistakes typically made by rookies. Dillingham averaged just 10 minutes per game across 49 appearances, showing flashes of playmaking brilliance but struggling mightily on defense and with his shooting efficiency.
This season, Dillingham was presented with an opportunity to step up as the Timberwolves moved on from veteran point guard Mike Conley. Unfortunately, he has failed to seize the moment. His minutes have decreased, and his offensive production has regressed. Dillingham is averaging just 4 points per game while shooting an abysmal 35% from the field and 28% from three-point range. With the Timberwolves desperate for stability at the point guard position, Dillingham’s inability to deliver is raising serious doubts about his future in Minnesota.
2. Jarace Walker (Indiana Pacers)
Jarace Walker was the seventh pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, selected by the Pacers for his versatility, playmaking, and defensive potential. Compared to players like Scottie Barnes, Walker was expected to become a do-it-all forward who could impact the game on both ends of the court. However, his NBA journey has been anything but smooth.
Walker’s rookie season was derailed by the Pacers’ acquisition of Pascal Siakam, which pushed him down the depth chart. Playing behind Siakam and Obi Toppin, Walker struggled to find consistent minutes and was relegated to garbage-time appearances. While he showed some promise in his second season, particularly with improved three-point shooting, his role was once again scaled back during the Pacers’ playoff run to the NBA Finals.
This season, with Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner out due to injuries, Walker has been given a larger role. However, he has failed to capitalize on the opportunity. Despite averaging a career-high 10 points per game, Walker is shooting just 35% from the field and 31% from three. His defense, once considered a strength, has been inconsistent, and his offensive execution leaves much to be desired. In his third year, Walker’s lack of significant development is becoming a concern for the Pacers as they evaluate their long-term plans.
3. Bilal Coulibaly (Washington Wizards)
When the Washington Wizards selected Bilal Coulibaly with the seventh pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, they were betting on his potential. The 6’7″ wing boasted a 7’2″ wingspan, elite athleticism, and the physical tools to become a defensive force. The Wizards envisioned Coulibaly as a high-upside project who could eventually develop into a two-way star.
In his rookie season, Coulibaly showed flashes of promise, averaging 8 points per game and shooting league average from three. His length and athleticism made him a disruptive presence on defense, and he displayed potential as a slasher. However, his three-point shooting regressed in his sophomore season, dropping to just 28%, and his overall offensive game remained raw.
Now in his third season, Coulibaly is enduring the worst campaign of his young career. He is averaging just 8 points per game while shooting 37% from the field and 27% from three. Despite starting for the rebuilding Wizards, Coulibaly has failed to establish himself as a reliable contributor. His jumper remains inconsistent, and his decision-making as a secondary ball-handler has not improved. With the Wizards looking to identify long-term building blocks, Coulibaly’s lack of progress is a troubling sign.
4. Cody Williams (Utah Jazz)
Cody Williams, the 10th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, came into the league with lofty expectations as the younger brother of Oklahoma City Thunder star Jalen Williams. However, the similarities between the two brothers end at their physical attributes. While Jalen has become a key piece for the Thunder, Cody has struggled to make an impact in the NBA.
As a rookie, Williams endured one of the worst seasons in recent memory, averaging just 4 points per game on 32% shooting from the field and 23% from three. His defense was subpar, his handle was shaky, and he failed to showcase any standout skills. Despite being given consistent minutes, Williams was unable to make meaningful contributions.
Now in his second season, Williams’ struggles have only deepened. He has fallen out of the Jazz’s rotation entirely, appearing in just a handful of games in garbage time. When he does play, his production remains underwhelming—he is averaging 2 points per game on 32% shooting and an abysmal 10% from three. For a top-10 pick, these numbers are unacceptable, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that the Jazz coaching staff has lost faith in his potential.
5. Jett Howard (Orlando Magic)
Jett Howard was a surprise lottery pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, taken 11th overall by the Orlando Magic. The Michigan product was projected as a late first-rounder, but the Magic reached for him based on his potential as a floor-spacing wing with good size. Unfortunately, Howard has struggled to live up to those expectations.
Howard’s rookie season was largely spent in the G-League, where he failed to make a strong case for more NBA minutes. He appeared in just 18 games for the Magic, playing mostly in garbage time. In his second season, Howard saw more opportunities but failed to deliver. He averaged just 4 points per game while shooting 37% from the field and 29% from three—disappointing numbers for a player drafted for his scoring and shooting potential.
Now in his third season, Howard is still struggling to carve out a role. He’s averaging 5 points per game and shooting closer to league average from three, but his overall impact remains minimal. For a team like the Magic, which has been searching for offensive firepower, Howard’s inability to provide a scoring spark is a major letdown.
Conclusion: Time Running Out
For these five players, the 2025-26 season represents a critical juncture in their careers. While it’s too early to completely write them off, their lack of progress is concerning. The NBA is a results-driven league, and patience with young players only extends so far. If these players cannot turn things around soon, they risk being labeled as busts—an unfortunate fate for any young athlete with dreams of stardom.
Ultimately, the journey of an NBA player is rarely a straight line, and some players take longer to develop than others. However, the clock is ticking for Dillingham, Walker, Coulibaly, Williams, and Howard. Whether they can overcome their struggles and prove the doubters wrong remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the pressure is on.
