3 struggling NBA players who need to step it up this season

BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 01: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics dribbles the ball during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden on December 1, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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Nov 28, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past Toronto Raptors forward Justin Champagnie (11) in the second half at Scotiabank Arena, NBA Players. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The NBA can be a very unforgiving place. Unless you are playing at the best of your abilities, there is a chance that you might end up without a team and without a contract in no time at all.

This was made apparent the other day when New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau decided he was taking Kemba Walker out of rotation. But Walker isn’t alone when it comes to being off the mark.

There are multiple players throughout the association who aren’t living up to their potential right now. Who needs to step up their game and find their skills again before things get too out of hand? Here are just a few NBA players not playing as they should.

Struggling NBA players who need to step it up: Jayson Tatum

Jayson Tatum is the star player for the Boston Celtics and is usually one of the most reliable shooters, and players, in the entire league. This season, not so much.

He may be averaging 24.3 points a game, but he’s doing so with a 39.5% field goal percentage, down nearly 6% from his career average. His three-point percentage is also down (31.6%) as is his free-throw percentage (80%). To make it all worse, he’s only shooting at 27% in the fourth quarter, making it very hard for Boston to close out games.

Tatum’s tendency to shoot bricks is very troubling for the Celtics. Hopefully, it’s solved soon. The team is learning that it can’t rely on Tatum as much. That’s never a good feeling for a star player.