5 players who disappointed the most in the 2021 NBA Playoffs

#3 Julius Randle

Julius Randle was unable to recreate his regular-season form for the New York Knicks

There was little expectation of the New York Knicks heading into this year's playoffs. After all, the franchise hadn't reached the postseason since 2013 and they had little experience on their roster.

One player who had shone all season, though, was All-Star Julius Randle. However, the 26-year-old was unable to maintain the terrific performances that he produced every night during the regular season in the playoffs, and the Knicks ultimately crashed out after five games.

Although Randle grabbed more boards per game in the series than in the regular season with 11.6, he averaged six fewer points and dished out two fewer dimes. For somebody who shoots so consistently, the power forward connected with just 30% of field-goal efforts and 33% of three-point attempts.

#2 Jimmy Butler

Milwaukee Bucks v Miami Heat - Game Three

Jimmy Butler was unable to orchestrate another unexpected run this season after guiding the Miami Heat to the NBA Finals last year. The Heat struggled all year through injuries and inconsistency and were no match for the Milwaukee Bucks as they got swept away in the first round.

Butler was unable to find his shooting touch throughout the series as the Bucks put on a defensive clinic to limit his effectiveness. The 31-year-old shot just 30% from the field and 27% from deep as he saw his output fall from 21.5 points per game in the regular season to just 14.5 in the playoffs.

Despite still being solid defensively and averaging more than seven rebounds and assists per encounter, Butler finished the playoffs with a +/- of -21.5.

#1 Ben Simmons

Philadelphia 76ers v Atlanta Hawks - Game Three

No player has faced more backlash for their performances than the Phialphia 76ers' Ben Simmons in the NBA Playoffs. The rumor mill began whirring immediately following the Sixers' elimination to the Atlanta Hawks and they have already fielded bids for the young guard, including one from the Indiana Pacers.

Simmons averaged 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 8.8 assists for the 76ers across the twelve games he played in. While these stats weren't exactly terrible, the 24-year-old went from being a 61% free-throw shooter to one who hits 34%. Moreover, all those numbers became worse in the series against the Hawks and he was unable to keep Trae Young quiet despite Simmons' elite defensive ability.

.@maxkellerman thinks Ben Simmons would fit with the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/hFBA6UL6ud

— First Take (@FirstTake) June 22, 2021

The Sixers young star looked a shadow of himself on the big stage and received considerable criticism after passing up wide open looks, afraid instead of his shooting accuracy. While Simmons is an All-Defensive team member and a naturally gifted creator on offense, he needs to work on his shot-making if he is to compete for a championship in the coming years.