The NBA players who appear to have regressed most so far in 2026-27

The early days of the 2026-27 NBA season have seen several players struggle to recapture their previous form, leading to concerns about the future of the league. Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, James Harden of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz have all shown signs of regression.

Jokic, who has consistently been an All-NBA-level performer, has not been at his usual very high level of play this season. His Denver team has looked like a team that might be fighting for a spot in the Play-In tournament. It remains to be seen if this is due to age and fitness issues or simply a slow start for the basketball superstar.

Joel Embiid, who once dominated the game, has also struggled mightily this season. His injuries have limited him to fewer games each year, and his efficiency on his plays has dropped significantly. While it remains to be seen if Embiid has truly peaked and is now declining, his regression has been quite surprising.

James Harden, who has struggled with both age and injuries in the past, appears to be in the midst of a career slump. His scoring has dropped from one of the game's highest to the fourth-lowest in his career, and his three-point shooting has been poor. Given his reliance on free throws to score, Harden is a significant liability on both ends of the court for the Cavaliers.

Lauri Markkanen, who was once a top player on a contender, has also shown signs of regression. His Utah team has struggled in recent seasons, and his own production has dropped from over 26 points per game to just over 18. With the Jazz's struggles, it remains to be seen if Markkanen can regain his previous form.