The Fantasy Basketball Shuffle: Early Adds and Drops to Consider
As the dust settles on the first week of the fantasy basketball season, managers are scrambling to make sense of the early performances. The excitement of new stats and player roles leads to a frenzy of adds and drops, with some players shining brighter than expected while others fade into the background. In this article, we’ll explore the key players to consider adding or dropping as the season unfolds.
"How Did We Miss That?"
The first week of the season often reveals hidden gems that fantasy managers overlooked during the draft. One such player is Norman Powell, who exploded for a stunning 37-point performance in his second game. Averaging 24.7 points on 51.9% shooting through three games, Powell has stepped up significantly, especially with Paul George out of the lineup. With Kawhi Leonard also missing games, Powell has become the second scoring option for the Clippers, making him a must-add for those in need of scoring.
Another player who has caught the eye is Rui Hachimura. Establishing himself as a starter for the Lakers last season, Hachimura is off to a solid start this year, averaging 17.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over his first four games. His combination of size and skill suggests that he still has untapped potential, making him a valuable addition to any roster.
Dereck Lively has also made a name for himself early in the season. After a promising rookie campaign, Lively is averaging 9.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game. Playing alongside elite playmakers, he has delivered comparable fantasy totals to established stars like Karl-Anthony Towns and Bam Adebayo. His continued development could make him a key contributor as the season progresses.
"Sneaky Snags"
While some players are making headlines, others are quietly putting together impressive performances. Santi Aldama has emerged as a valuable asset for the Grizzlies, surpassing the 20-point mark twice and recording a double-double in his first four games. With a career-high average of 4.3 assists per game, Aldama is proving to be a versatile player who can contribute across multiple categories.
Dyson Daniels is another player to keep an eye on. Averaging 2.8 steals through four games, including a standout performance with five steals in the season opener, Daniels has made a strong case for a starting role. Even when Bogdan Bogdanovic returns from injury, Daniels’ defensive prowess and playmaking ability could keep him in the lineup.
Onyeka Okongwu has also started the season strong, highlighted by a 28-point game on 11-for-12 shooting. With an average of 10.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks last season, Okongwu is poised to play a significant role off the bench, making him a valuable addition for those looking for depth.
Wendell Carter has been a consistent contributor for the Magic, hauling in double-digit rebounds in each of his first four games. While he may not be a high-scoring player, his rebounding and increased minutes (averaging 30.3 per game) make him a reliable option in fantasy leagues.
"Take a Flier"
For those willing to take a risk, a couple of players are worth considering. Tre Mann has opened the season with a bang, averaging 18.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 3.0 assists. His shooting efficiency and increased minutes (28.7 per game) suggest that he could be a key part of the Hornets’ rotation moving forward.
Jordan Hawkins has also shown promise, averaging 18.0 points on 52.9% shooting. While he had a quieter outing recently, his potential as a sixth man for the Pelicans is evident, especially with injuries to teammates like Trey Murphy and Dejounte Murray.
Scotty Pippen Jr. is another intriguing option, having recorded two double-doubles in his first four games. With a shooting percentage of 51.4%, including 50.0% from deep, Pippen Jr. is establishing himself as a capable distributor and could be a valuable asset for fantasy managers looking for upside.
"Way Too Soon Drops"
As some players rise, others may need to be dropped from fantasy rosters. Zach Edey, who entered the season with high expectations, has struggled to find his footing, averaging just 16.0 minutes per game and failing to score in double digits consistently. His slow start raises concerns about his fantasy viability.
OG Anunoby has also been a disappointment, struggling with his shooting efficiency and overall production. With the addition of Mikal Bridges to the Knicks, Anunoby’s role in the offense has diminished, making him a candidate for a drop if he doesn’t turn things around soon.
Russell Westbrook has had a rocky start, shooting only 20% from the field in his first three games. Although he had a bounce-back performance with 22 points in an overtime win, his inconsistency raises doubts about his ability to contribute reliably in fantasy leagues.
"Not What I Was Hoping For"
Some players simply haven’t found their rhythm yet. Donte DiVincenzo is averaging just 9.5 points on 31.0% shooting and has seen his role diminish as he competes for minutes. If he can’t find his groove, he may not be worth holding onto.
Jonathan Kuminga has also struggled, shooting only 37.8% from the field and averaging 10.3 points per game. With competition for minutes increasing, his role may continue to shrink, making him a potential drop candidate.
"Not Working Out"
Lastly, Grayson Allen has seen his role diminish, moving back to a bench position as Tyus Jones takes over the starting guard spot. Without the opportunity to produce, Allen’s fantasy value has taken a hit.
Keldon Johnson finds himself in a similar situation, firmly in a bench role and at risk of losing minutes to younger players. His lack of production makes him a candidate for a drop if he can’t reclaim a more significant role.
Brandin Podziemski has also struggled, going scoreless in his season opener and shooting just 37.8% from the field. With limited opportunities, he may not be able to provide the value fantasy managers were hoping for.
As the season progresses, staying vigilant about player performances and trends will be crucial for fantasy success. Whether it’s snagging a breakout player or cutting ties with underperformers, the early season is a critical time for making strategic moves.