2013 was the year Blake Griffin went from a once-in-a-lifetime talent to just some guy who can jump over a Kia. People started looking at his game a lot closer and started to say he was the problem for the Los Angeles Clippers. They brought in Doc Rivers to take away the coaching excuse. Now he is thrown around in trade rumors. Griffin would no doubt love to get his 2011 reputation back.
Geno Smith came into the draft thinking he was a surefire first-round pick. After an embarrassing sit in the green room, he waited all night just to see his name not being called. He ended up going to the New York Jets in the second round, which is bad news in itself. Then Mark Sanchez went down and he was propelled into the starting spot without a chance to learn the offense inside and out. After 21 interceptions and counting, I am sure Smith can't wait to get to next year.
Henrik Lundqvist got paid this season. He is now the highest-paid goalie in the NHL. He thinks he is worth it. He is currently ranked 30th in the NHL with a .908 save percentage and 28th with a 2.71 goals against average. Even though he wasn't terrible in the lockout-shortened season, the New York Rangers fell way below expectations. He needs to prove he is worth the money he got.
C.C. Sabathia saw his worst season in pinstripes in 2013. It was also the first time since 2006 that he didn't pitch in the playoffs. Without Andy Pettitte in the rotation, he needs to be the rock for this team. His 4.78 ERA needs to go down by about a run. 2014 will be an important year for Sabathia's legacy.
Ray Rice was on the Super Bowl Champion Ravens and could be on his way to the playoffs once again. So how is he on this list? He went from being one of the best weapons in the NFL to worthless in less than a year. The Rutgers product saw his yards per rush drop 1.3 yards. His touchdowns were cut in half and his fumbles doubled. If he wants to continue his career, he has to bounce back next season.
Martin Brodeur probably really wants 2013 to end. Beyond his awful year personally, he missed the playoffs for only the second time in his career. He dealt with a back injury in the lockout-shortened season that saw his team lose almost every game when he was out. Then he watched their other star player "retire" and another key piece in David Clarkson leave in free agency. The New Jersey Devils were the last team in the NHL to earn a win. This may be his last season, and he will want to go out on top.
Josh Hamilton went to his former team's rival, the Los Angeles Angels, for a boatload of money. His first year left much to be desired. He only hit .250, 48 points under his career average. He hit 21 home runs, which is 27 less than the year prior. He had 49 fewer RBIs than the year before. $25 million does not pay for what it used to.
Robert Griffin III came into 2013 as possibly the most popular athlete in all of sports. His two way quarterback play along with his infectious smile took the league by storm. 2013 did not go so well. He tore his ACL in the first game he played in the year. He rushed himself back, only to play at a very low level for a four-win team that doesn't have a first-round pick. Now he is benched for the rest of the season. He has an uphill climb to prove he is a franchise quarterback.
Can you have a worse year than having a media report that you punched your star player in the face?
... okay, this is worse.
Take your pick as to why this is a bad season for Eli Manning. His New York Giants failed to take advantage of a bad division. He leads the league with 25 interceptions, four more than anyone else. Hakeem Nicks doesn't seem to want to play. His offensive line is just plain offensive. Also, he is watching his older brother break NFL records at 37 while he can't seem to get it together. Maybe Peyton will give him some pointers in the offseason.
B.J. Upton could have had the worst offensive season in baseball history. He hit .184 in 126 games. He only had nine home runs. He could only steal 12 bases. He had a .559 OPS. His WAR was negative. If he can't get better, he might be a minor leaguer.
Derrick Rose was supposed to return at some point during the 2012-13 season, but he never did. When he finally came back, he only lasted 10 games when he went out for the season with an injury to his other knee. Oh well, I guess he can try again next season.
Nail Yakupov went from surefire talent to trade bait in less than six months. His attitude has soured in Edmonton and his play has been affected by it. He is dead last in the NHL with a -24. He may have arrived in the NHL too young because it doesn't seem like he can handle the pressure just yet.
Alex Rodriguez was named in the Biogenesis scandal. He was caught trying to buy evidence. He was injured for most of the season. He returned to a great run, only to fall short of the playoffs. Now he is fighting a 211-game suspension and it isn't going well. He is walking out of meetings with Bug Selig. He just looks like a total diva. He may not get a chance at redemption if the suspension is upheld.
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