Player from Each NBA Team Bound To Regress in 2011-12

Each and every season, the NBA gains quite a few new stars who have made leaps and bounds in their development. But, at the same time, the league sees quite a few players drop down a level thanks to regression. 

These regressions happen for various reasons—loss of playing time, growth of other players or simply old age. 

It's a sad reality, but some players just get worse. 

Read on for the player most likely to regress for each and every team in the NBA. 

Atlanta Hawks: Kirk Hinrich

Position: Point Guard

Age: 30

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 10.2 points, four assists, 2.5 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

After the emergence of Jeff Teague in the second round of the 2011 NBA playoffs, Kirk Hinrich may be expected to take a backseat during the next season.

With the veteran point guard sidelined by an injured hammy, Teague won over the hearts of Atlanta fans with his performance against the Chicago Bulls, ironically Hinrich's former team. 

Even though he's a stellar perimeter defender, Hinrich will regress if he loses the starting job. 

Boston Celtics: Kevin Garnett

Position: Power forward

Age: 35

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 14.9 points, 2.4 assists, 8.9 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age 

You can probably replace Kevin Garnett with any other member of the Big Three in Boston as he, Paul Pierce and Ray Allen are all bound to regress. But of the three, KG is going to drop off the most. 

At 35 years of age, the veteran power forward still has his trademark intensity, but his physical skills are starting to tail off.

The end is near for this historically great player. 

Charlotte Bobcats: D.J. Augustin

Position: Point guard

Age: 23

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 14.4 points, 6.1 assists, 2.7 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time 

D.J. Augustin is most likely going to start out the next season, whenever it may happen, as the No. 1 point guard on the Charlotte Bobcats' depth chart. But as the season progresses, his role will be diminished further and further as incoming rookie Kemba Walker gets more and more experience. 

The former Texas Longhorn seems to have worn out his welcome in Charlotte even though he hasn't been too bad by any stretch of the imagination.

Kemba waiting in the wings won't help his case. 

Chicago Bulls: Carlos Boozer

Position: Power forward

Age: 29

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 17.5 points, 2.5 assists, 9.6 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

Carlos Boozer struggled adjusting to his new digs in Chicago thanks mostly to some various injuries. But when he was healthy, the former member of the Utah Jazz put up some numbers that were just as good as, if not better than, his career averages in those areas. 

With Taj Gibson emerging and challenging him for playing time, I really doubt that he will put up numbers that are anywhere near as stellar. 

Cleveland Cavaliers: Antawn Jamison

Position: Power forward

Age: 35

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 18.0 points, 1.7 assists, 6.7 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age 

As the Cleveland Cavaliers keep trying to get younger, Antawn Jamison keeps piling on the days, weeks, months and years. 

Jamison still managed to average 18 points per game last season but don't expect his total to be anywhere near that this next season.  

Dallas Mavericks: Jason Kidd

Position: Point guard

Age: 38

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 7.9 points, 8.2 assists, 4.4 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age 

At some point, age has to catch up with Jason Kidd. Right?

He can't stay a kid forever. (Sorry, but that joke was just too easy). 

Denver Nuggets: Andre Miller

Position: Point guard

Age: 35

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 12.7 points, seven assists, 3.7 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

As a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, Andre Miller had the keys to the offense and enjoyed the experience. But now that he's with the Denver Nuggets, he'll have to fight with Ty Lawson for playing time. 

It's a battle that he most likely will not completely win.  

Detroit Pistons: Rodney Stuckey

Position: Guard

Age: 25

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 15.5 points, 5.2 assists, 3.1 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

With Brandon Knight in the mix for the guard spots, Rodney Stuckey isn't the only combo guard trying to make his living in Detroit as a member of the Pistons. 

This may already be the best we're going to see from Stuckey, and that was before the added competition was likely to lead to more time on the bench. 

Golden State Warriors: Dorell Wright

Position: Small forward

Age: 25

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 16.4 points, three assists, 5.4 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Unsustainable production

Dorell Wright never put up anything like his 2010-11 numbers while he was a member of the Miami Heat. Now to be fair, he also received way less of an opportunity to do so, seeing as the 82 games he started in Golden State were 26 more than in his entire six-season career at South Beach.

But with Monta Ellis likely (at least according to the management) to stay with the Warriors and the rest of the young squad only improving, it wouldn't surprise me to see Wright's number called upon significantly less.  

Houston Rockets: Luis Scola

Position: Power forward

Age: 31

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 18.3 points, 2.5 assists, 8.2 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Growth of players around him

Luis Scola is still going to be a great player, but he won't be the only scoring option in Houston not named Kevin Martin now. 

Chase Budinger, Terrence Williams, Jordan Hill and the rest of the young Rockets are going to make bigger impacts next season. With all of them scoring more, there won't be quite enough room on the stat sheet for Scola to make the same-size impact. 

Indiana Pacers: Danny Granger

Position: Small forward

Age: 28

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 20.5 points, 2.6 assists, 5.4 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Growth of players around him

The NBA's most unknown superstar isn't going to be able to be quite the same player that he has been the last few years. 

Danny Granger, after all, is surrounded by young talent in Indiana. Darren Collison, Paul George, Tyler Hansbrough, Roy Hibbert and even a few other players are all going to be staring in the face of increased roles this next season. 

Los Angeles Clippers: Chris Kaman

Position: Center

Age: 29

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 12.4 points, 1.4 assists, seven rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

DeAndre Jordan is an emerging young talent, and Chris Kaman is only blocking his way to the top. 

I seriously doubt that the Los Angeles Clippers will continue to give Kaman as much playing time with the young talented center waiting to join Eric Gordon and Blake Griffin in the starting lineup.  

Los Angeles Lakers: Derek Fisher

Position: Point guard

Age: 37

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 6.8 points, 2.7 assists, 1.9 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age and competition for playing time

There's a reason that the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Andrew Goudelock and Darius Morris during the 2011 NBA draft. It's the same reason that there are constant rumors about a point guard making his way to the Staples Center next season. 

Derek Fisher's career is hanging on by its last threads at this point. He's only going to continue declining and losing playing time. 

Memphis Grizzlies: Zach Randolph

Position: Power forward

Age: 30

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 20.1 points, 2.2 assists, 12.1 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Gut feeling

There's no player that really stands out on the Memphis Grizzlies as a candidate to regress. But if I had to pick one, it would be Zach Randolph. 

To be honest though, my only reason for this is a gut feeling. I like the way he plays and would like to see him continue to throw up double-doubles every night. I just don't think it can happen for much longer. 

Miami Heat: Mike Bibby

Position: Point guard

Age: 33

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 8.6 points, 3.3 assists, 2.4 rebounds

Reason for Regression: he is a corpse

If you watched Mike Bibby play for the Miami Heat during the 2011NBA playoffs, then no further explanation is required. 

Milwaukee Bucks: Beno Udrih

Position: Point guard

Age: 29

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 13.7 points, 4.9 assists, 3.4 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

Beno Udrih averaged nearly 14 points and five assists per game last season, but that was mostly because he received the starting nod more often than not for the Sacramento Kings. 

The situation will be quite different with the Milwaukee Bucks when Brandon Jennings gets that nod more often than Udrih.  

Minnesota Timberwolves: Michael Beasley

Position: Small forward

Age: 22

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 19.2 points, 2.2 assists, 5.6 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time and legal trouble

Even if he manages to stay out of trouble enough to make an impact for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Michael Beasley won't make as big an impact as he has in the past. 

Beasley is going to hampered by the emergence of Derrick Williams, who is basically guaranteed to get significant playing time after he was drafted second overall in this past draft. 

New Jersey Nets: Deron Williams

Position: Point guard

Age: 27

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 20.1 points, 10.3 assists, four rebounds

Reason for Regression: New team

No offense meant to Deron Williams at all, since I do think that he's one of the absolute top point guards in the NBA. But it's easier to average 10 assists per game when you play for the Utah Jazz than the still developing New Jersey Nets. 

I think it's safe to say that Williams will not fulfill his quest of averaging 20 and 10 again after becoming the only player to do so last season. 

New Orleans Hornets: No One

I can't really pick anyone to regress on the New Orleans Hornets. 

Chris Paul isn't going to get worse, and he makes everyone around him look pretty damn good. 

David West would be my most likely candidate, but there's a good chance he doesn't actually make it back to the Hornets roster once the offseason is actually allowed to progress. 

New York Knicks: Carmelo Anthony

Position: Small forward

Age: 27

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 25.6 points, 2.9 assists, 7.3 rebounds 

Reason for Regression: New system

Carmelo Anthony loved going iso to score his points in Denver, where he was the unquestioned No. 1 option. With Amar'e Stoudemire now a part of his team in New York, Melo can no longer say the same thing at all times. 

He will also have to adjust to Mike D'Antoni's offensive system where the "hold on to the ball for 10 minutes at a time thing" doesn't fly. 

Oklahoma City Thunder: Russell Westbrook

Position: Point guard

Age: 22

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 21.9 points, 8.2 assists, 4.6 rebounds

Reason for Regression: New role

I need to make a special note here that Russell Westbrook will only regress statistically. He won't get worse as an overall player though, quite the opposite in fact. 

With Kevin Durant as an established scorer (no duh, he's a two-time scoring champion) and James Harden becoming another great option, Westbrook doesn't need to score quite as much as he thinks he needs to. Everyone is telling him that, so hopefully, he'll realize it at some point. 

If and when he does, his scoring output will go down as the Oklahoma City Thunder's win total goes up. 

Orlando Magic: Jason Richardson

Position: Shooting guard

Age: 30

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 15.6 points, 1.8 assists, 4.1 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age

Jason Richardson might not seem to old at 30, but his athleticism is nowhere near what it was at in his prime. Since his game is largely made up of dunks and athletic plays around the rim, this is a pretty big deal. 

J-Rich may still have a good jump shot, but that's going to be rendered ineffective if defenders don't have to respect the drive. His decline starts now.

Philadelphia 76ers: Elton Brand

Position: Power forward

Age: 32

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 15.0 points, 1.5 assists, 8.3 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Growth of players around him

Elton Brand is no longer the No. 1 option like he once was during his glory days. 

If Andre Iguodala stays in Philly, he'll remain the No. 1 choice on offense unless one of the younger players emerges as a scoring threat.

With Jrue Holiday, Jodie Meeks, Evan Turner, Nikola Vucevic, Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young all presenting themselves as viable options, the same will not be said for Brand. 

Phoenix Suns: Vince Carter

Position: Shooting guard

Age: 34

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 14.0 points, two assists, 3.8 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age

The now 34-year-old Vince Carter is done. Toast. Finished. It's the end. 

He may still be able to score occasionally, but Jared Dudley is getting ready to completely replace Carter in the starting lineup once and for all. 

Carter's better days are definitely behind him. 

Portland Trail Blazers: Gerald Wallace

Position: Small forward

Age: 29

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 15.7 points, 2.4 assists, eight rebounds

Reason for Regression: More talented new team

Gerald Wallace is a terrific, well-rounded player, but so are a bunch of players on the Portland Trail Blazers. The same cannot be said for Wallace's old team, the Charlotte Bobcats. 

On the Bobcats, Wallace was the unquestioned star and best player. Now, that is just no longer the case as he's part of a true contender. Well, with that adjustment will come a diminished role over the course of the entire season. 

Sacramento Kings: John Salmons

Position: Shooting guard

Age: 32

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 14.0 points, 3.5 assists, 3.6 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Competition for playing time

Tyreke Evans and Jimmer Fredette have a little bit more name recognition that the 32-year-old shooting guard named John Salmons. 

Sacramento Kings fans shouldn't expect too much from the next season and will accordingly be clamoring for Jimmer and Tyreke (and Marcus Thornton) to get as much playing time as possible.

That will come at the expense of the newly-acquired Salmons. 

San Antonio Spurs: Tim Duncan

Position: Center

Age: 35

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 13.4 points, 2.7 assists, 8.9 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age

It pains me to say it, but Tim Duncan is no longer the Tim Duncan of old. You know, the one that was arguably the greatest power forward of all time. 

Duncan can still be productive in small bits and pieces, but the window for season-long domination has closed, much like the San Antonio Spurs' hopes of a championship have.  

Toronto Raptors: Leandro Barbosa

Position: Shooting guard

Age: 28

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 13.3 points, 2.1 assists, 1.7 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Growth of players around him

Even though the process will take quite a while, the Toronto Raptors are actually on the right track. 

With Andrea Bargnani and DeMar DeRozan leading the scoring charge, there won't be much of a role left for Leandro Barbosa. DeRozan especially is going to improve while the 28-year-old regresses. 

Utah Jazz: Raja Bell

Position: Shooting guard

Age: 34

2010-11 Per Game Stats: eight points, 1.7 assists, 2.6 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Age

The Utah Jazz were one of those teams for which it was quite difficult to pick a player that was going to regress. 

In the end, I had to settle for the 34-year-old shooting guard who is already well on his way downhill. With the new young player in Utah bound to get more playing time, especially since the Jazz won't likely compete, Bell is definitely going to be declining even more. 

Washington Wizards: Rashard Lewis

Position: Power forward

Age: 32

2010-11 Per Game Stats: 11.7 points, 1.6 assists, 5.1 rebounds

Reason for Regression: Growth of players around him

Let's see, which one of the following doesn't fit: Andray Blatche, Jordan Crawford, JaVale McGee, Chris Singleton, Jan Vesely, Nick Young, John Wall and Rashard Lewis. 

Well, since Lewis is six years older than the oldest of the other contributors, Nick Young, I'd say that he's not exactly the most valuable member of the youth movement in Washington. 

The Wizards are going to become one of the most exciting teams in the NBA, but Lewis won't be a big part of that excitement. 

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Adam Fromal is a syndicated writer and Featured Columnist at Bleacher Report. Follow him on Twitter.

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