Fantasy basketball managers are facing early-season dilemmas as several established players have opened the campaign with disappointing numbers. Analysts have identified 15 underperforming players who could represent sell-low opportunities, with struggles ranging from shooting slumps to reduced roles in new lineups.
Among the notable names, Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is averaging just 9.1 points on 36.9% shooting through seven games, though his rebounding and assists remain solid. New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy has lost consistency amid lineup changes with Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears taking shots. Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, at 37, is posting 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists but shows signs of decline. Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has dropped to 11.1 points per game after back-to-back 16-point seasons.
Other players include Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (13.0 points, 40.0% shooting), Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (7.4 points, 42.5% shooting), Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (11.0 points, 34.5% shooting, recently benched), New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges (6.1 points, 30.8% shooting), Detroit Pistons forward John Collins (42.4% field goal, 2-for-5 free throws), Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (11.0 points, 41.8% shooting), Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner (career-low 8.0 points, 38.6% shooting), Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (11.5 points, 35.8% shooting), Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson (no double-doubles yet), Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl (4.6 points, 52.9% shooting, shoulder injury), and Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson (8.7 points, 34.0% shooting).
Experts suggest that while some slumps may be temporary due to roster adjustments or rust, others could signal longer-term decline, making it crucial for fantasy managers to evaluate each situation before deciding to hold, buy low, bench, or drop.
