Fansided

25-under-25: Biggest disappointments

By Jerry Christodoulatos

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the game against the San Antonio Spurs from the bench on December 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 119-68. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 7: Jahlil Okafor #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers watches the game against the San Antonio Spurs from the bench on December 7, 2015 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. The Spurs defeated the 76ers 119-68. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TN – AUGUST 29: Ben McLemore of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media during a press conference on August 29, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN – AUGUST 29: Ben McLemore of the Memphis Grizzlies speaks to the media during a press conference on August 29, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. Ben McLemore, ranked 99th

During his one college season at the University of Kansas, McLemore was absolutely incandescent on the offensive side of the ball. He shot insane percentages from all over the floor and could score at will against most teams. McLemore’s killer shooting touch and spectacular athleticism made him an intriguing NBA prospect heading into the 2013 Draft. Sacramento selected him with the No. 7 pick and since then he has generally floundered.

McLemore doesn’t have a nuanced floor game. He’s not the kind of player that can create looks for teammates and despite his great athleticism, he doesn’t consistently look to attack the basket. Long-range shooting is the foundation of McLemore’s offensive game. Since entering the league he has improved on the defensive side of the ball, but he was a total sieve on that end early in his career. McLemore is essentially a one-dimensional player; to survive in the NBA as a one dimensional guy, you need to be elite at some specific skill. McLemore’s best skill is shooting but he’s still not an elite shooter, which means he doesn’t provide much value on the court.

Leaving behind the insanity of Sacramento might be the boost McLemore needs to jump-start his career. As he enters his fifth season though, he certainly hasn’t lived up to the potential that he showed in college. If he can improve his and get closer to the 40 percent threshold from 3-point land, he might be able to salvage his career.

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