The 2024–25 NBA season has been challenging for several former college basketball standouts. Injuries and underwhelming performances have hindered their contributions, leaving fans to wonder how different the playoffs might have been had these players been at their best.
Former College Basketball Stars Missing the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid, who was once associated with the Kansas Jayhawks, has been considered, for years, one person who really stands a very good chance of leading the ranking of the NBA. The current year, however, was different since the power forward of the Philadelphia 76ers missed over 80% of the games due to persistent issues with his left knee.
Still, he was doing well, and the 23.8, 8.2, and 4.5 of the enumerated statistics were his performance, except that his season was dramatically terminated by his knee surgery in the spring of 2025, which initially he believed would allow him to return to the court and compete for the playoff spot.
The 76ers, who had high hopes with Embiid leading the charge, found themselves struggling without their star center. His absence not only impacted their regular-season performance but also dashed any realistic playoff aspirations. Embiid’s health remains a significant concern for Philadelphia’s future success.
Paul George – Philadelphia 76ers
Paul George, who stood out at Fresno State, came to the 76ers aiming to play a fantastic trio with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. George, however, had an unlucky season due to getting injured in his left adductor muscle and knee.
During the season, he only played in 41 games, providing 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists. This was his lowest-scoring average since the 2014-15 season.
The 76ers’ vision of a championship-contending team was derailed as both George and Embiid faced extended absences. With the team finishing 12th in the Eastern Conference, their playoff hopes were extinguished, highlighting the impact of their injured stars.
Ben Simmons – Los Angeles Clippers
Ben Simmons, the former LSU Tiger, sought a fresh start with the Los Angeles Clippers after being released by the Brooklyn Nets. While he managed to stay relatively healthy, playing in 51 games, his performance was underwhelming.
Simmons averaged 5.0 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, showing flashes of his playmaking abilities but lacking consistency.
The Clippers, aiming for a deep playoff run, found Simmons’ contributions insufficient to make a significant impact. His struggles to regain his All-Star form have raised questions about his future role in the league and whether he can once again be a pivotal player in high-stakes games.
Kyle Kuzma – Milwaukee Bucks
Kyle Kuzma, who made his mark at the University of Utah, joined the Milwaukee Bucks mid-season with hopes of bolstering their playoff roster. However, his performance in the postseason opener against the Indiana Pacers was historically poor.
In over 21 minutes of play, Kuzma failed to record a single point, rebound, assist, steal, or block, drawing significant criticism.
KEEP READING: Where Does Cooper Flagg Rank Among Duke’s Top 10 All-Time Greats?
During the regular season, Kuzma averaged 14.8 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, numbers that suggested he could be a valuable asset.
His playoff performance, however, has cast doubt on his ability to contribute meaningfully in high-pressure situations, leaving the Bucks to reassess their mid-season acquisition.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
