NBA Playoffs 2012: 10 Most Disappointing Players so Far

Nail-biting finishes and jaw-dropping comebacks have highlighted the first week of postseason play. From Vince Carter and Kevin Durant trading buzzer-beaters to the Los Angeles Clippers' epic comeback, the evidence to back those claims is limitless.

Unfortunately, there have been just as many who have underwhelmed as those who have overwhelmed.

From gut-wrenching injuries to star player disappearing acts, far too many players have underachieved. Upon viewing the following slides, you'll know just who highlights the disappointing aspects of the postseason.

10. Jason Richardson, Orlando Magic

In Game 1 of the Orlando Magic's series with the Indiana Pacers, Jason Richardson led the way to a shocking upset. The former Michigan State Spartan posted 17 points, scoring 15 on five three-point field goals.

In Games 2 and 3 combined, Richardson has fewer combined field goal attempts than he had Game 1 points. He's also yet to hit another three-pointer.

Richardson has disappeared, shooting a combined 3-of-13 and averaging just 3.5 points per game. While some have accredited this to a thumb injury on his non-shooting hand, Richardson's overall inability to get involved is what's most disappointing, not his shooting percentage.

Postseason Averages: 8.0 PPG—3.7 RPG—1.3 APG—1.0 SPG—32% FG

9. Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets

The Denver Nuggets came into the postseason as a trendy pick to upset the favored Los Angeles Lakers. Due to the fact that the Nuggets lack even the slightest sign of a half-court offense, expectations have been tempered.

At the heart of the Nuggets' scoring struggles has been Danilo Gallinari, who went from Game 1 stud to Game 2 dud.

In Game 1, the Italian baller put up 19 points on 7-of-14 shooting. In Game 2, Gallinari scored 13 points on just 5-of-18 shooting. Game 2 also happened to be a four-point contest in which the Denver Nuggets cut the lead down to single digits on multiple occasions but never closed the gap due to an inability to score the basketball.

One can only imagine that if Gallinari had made more of his shot attempts, the Nuggets might be heading to Denver with the series tied at one apiece.

Postseason Averages: 16.0 PPG—6.0 RPG—1.0 APG—38% FG—25% 3PT

8. Marc Gasol, Memphis Grizzlies

During the Memphis Grizzlies' historic Game 1 collapse, Marc Gasol scored 14 points on 6-of-10 shooting. He was, quite possibly, the most efficient scorer on the floor, filling up the hoop with relative ease.

In the fourth quarter, however, Marc Gasol failed to record a single field-goal attempt.

In Game 2, the disappearing act continued as Gasol was the only Memphis starter who failed to score in double digits. While his contributions were found elsewhere, his 3-of-9 shooting made the Grizzlies rather one-dimensional until Zach Randolph finally found his rhythm.

From the regular season to the postseason, Marc Gasol's averages have seen a 3.6 point drop in terms of scoring, 3.4 in rebounding, 0.9 in blocks and 0.5 in steals per game. He's also shooting 8.1 percent worse from the free throw line than in the regular season.

Postseason Averages: 11.0 PPG—5.5 RPG—4.5 APG—1.0 BPG—0.5 SPG

7. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

Not only is Rajon Rondo one of the NBA's best point guards, but he's the key to the Boston Celtics' winning an NBA championship. The natural reaction to that responsibility would be to shine under pressure and lead your team to victory.

Strangely, Rajon Rondo decided to take the route of being ejected and suspended for something he could have easily prevented.

While the Boston Celtics were able to survive Game 2 without him, evening the series at 1-1 behind a monster performance by Paul Pierce, Rondo's absence was felt. Had the Atlanta Hawks pulled the victory out, though, his absence would not have only been felt, but detrimental to promising title odds.

Rajon Rondo losing control was terribly disappointing. The fact that he did so with just 41 seconds remaining in the game nearly rivals another last-minute tragedy...

Postseason Averages: 20.0 PPG—11.0 APG—4.0 RPG—4.0 SPG—56% FG

6. Devin Harris, Utah Jazz

Entering the 2012 NBA playoffs, the Utah Jazz were seen as a dark-horse contender who could potentially upset the San Antonio Spurs. After two double-digit losses, including a 31-point defeat in Game 2, the label seems to have switched from contender to pretender.

While Game 2 struggles from star forwards Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson have certainly played a role, the Spurs success has come via the brilliance of point guard Tony Parker. While no one has been able to stop the MVP-candidate this season, Devin Harris' struggles with the three-time NBA champion are significantly greater than most.

Not only has Parker picked apart the Utah Jazz for averages of 23.0 points and 8.5 assists, but Harris has scored just 6.0 points and dished out 1.5 assists in response. Harris has also struggled from the field, shooting 31.3 percent.

A true disappointment as the Jazz's elite frontcourt struggles to contribute with no help in spreading the floor.

Postseason Averages: 6.0 PPG—1.5 APG—1.5 RPG—0.5 SPG—31% FG

5. Leandro Barbosa, Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers acquired Leandro Barbosa at the trade deadline with the intention of adding a consistent scorer for the postseason. Thus far, Barbosa has failed to live up to even the smallest of expectations.

The ninth-year guard out of Brazil has reached double-digit scoring in just one game this series, an 11-point outing in which he shot just 4-of-10 from the field. Overall, he's averaging just 6.0 points per game and hardly hitting anything from the field or distance.

While Barbosa claims his quality of play has been hurt by a nagging ankle injury, I find that hardly credible.

His 2006 postseason campaign, in which he scored 14.2 points on 47 percent shooting, set the bar rather high for his future in the NBA. Since then, he's never matched the success as his shooting percentage has always dipped below 42 percent and his scoring hasn't been in the double-digits since 2008.

Leandro Barbosa just doesn't show up during postseason play.

Postseason Averages: 6.0 PPG—1.7 RPG—0.7 SPG—33% FG—25% 3PT

4. Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks

In all three of the New York Knicks' blowout losses against the Miami Heat, Carmelo Anthony has been shockingly disappointing.

The Knicks' franchise player has turned the Knicks' series into a one-on-five offensive attack in which little to no team chemistry has been built. Considering Melo hasn't done much to contribute in the first place, it's hard to get a grasp on why this is happening.

Melo is averaging 21.0 points and 9.0 rebounds, but is shooting just 34 percent from the floor. He's also done absolutely nothing to slow LeBron James down on defense, making for one of the most disappointing postseasons in Melo's illustrious career.

Postseason Averages: 21.0 PPG—9.0 RPG—2.0 APG—1.0 SPG—4.3 PFPG—4.0 TOPG—34% FG

3. Ryan Anderson, Orlando Magic

Ever since Dwight Howard went down with a season-ending back injury, Ryan Anderson has been a different player. By different, of course, I meant to say absolutely horrific.

Anderson has been a non-factor in all three of the Magic's postseason games, shooting no better than 33 percent from the field and averaging just 5.0 rebounds per game. He's also committed at least four fouls in all three games, including Game 2 when he fouled out.

Coincidentally, Game 2 was also when the Most Improved Player of the Year candidate had his best individual performance.

Postseason Averages: 7.7 PPG—5.0 RPG—4.7 PFPG—32% FG—30% 3PT

2. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Pick your adjective.

Would you call Derrick Rose going down with a torn ACL:

A) Shocking

B) Disappointing

C) All the Above

I'll circle "C" and join the masses in wondering what could have been. Truly upsetting to see one of the faces of the NBA go down before it even got started.

Postseason Averages: 23.0 PPG—9.0 APG—9.0 RPG—1.0 SPG—1.0 BPG

1. Amar'e Stoudemire, New York Knicks

When you're a franchise player averaging 13.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, you're going to find your name on this list. When you lose a fight with a fire extinguisher and jeopardize any chance your team had at winning their series, you're going straight to the top.

Amar'e Stoudemire's freak injury came on a release of anger through physical force. While he's far from the first player in the history of sports to commit such an act, he's likely the first player to emerge from the event with half of his hand hanging off.

While Stoudemire remains one of the most likable guys in the NBA, he's the 2012 NBA playoffs' most disappointing performer.

Postseason Averages: 13.5 PPG—6.0 RPG—2.0 SPG—0.5 BPG