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Though we're only into the first few weeks of the NBA season, three players stand out for all the wrong reasons. These players have fallen far short of returning value on their mid-round ADPs despite strong career pedigrees. While there's time to turn it around, this trio of notable names is playing itself out of fantasy lineups - and in some cases, off of rosters altogether.
Along with breaking down their production and poor fantasy situations, I've listed an alternative waiver wire option that should substitute for, and hopefully improve upon, their fantasy value.
PF Pau Gasol, San Antonio Spurs
It took only eight games for Gregg Popovich to crush another player's fantasy value. After a phenomenal two-season stint with the Bulls in which Gasol averaged a double-double, he's down to just 8.4 points and 6.8 rebounds in 22 minutes with the Spurs. While Gasol has the potential to provide fantastic fantasy stats, he's stuck in a fantasy graveyard.
The minutes are the biggest issue. Through eight games, he has surpassed the 25-minute mark just twice. That has brought his points, rebounds, assists, and blocks all down to career-low levels. Though Gasol averaged over 30 minutes in all 15 of his previous seasons, Popovich is concerned with his player's long-term health and playoff production - not your fantasy team.
At this point, trading Gasol isn't really a great option; what could you possibly get back for a player at his lowest value. Unfortunately, the prospect of him emerging as a big-minute high-usage player is likely long gone in San Antonio. Instead, bench Gasol for the foreseeable future and look to the waiver wire to replace and improve upon on his production.
Waiver Wire Replacement: Jon Leuer, Detroit Pistons
Leuer has opened the season averaging 10.1 points and 6.5 rebounds. It's hardly a major increase from Gasol's numbers, but there's an air of consistency at least. The second-year Detroit forward has seen roughly 25 minutes in each contest so far and scored in double-digits in his past three. Consider him a reliable substitution more than anything else.
PG Brandon Knight, Phoenix Suns
24 years old is ancient if you're a part of the Phoenix backcourt. Knight, who's down to 25 minutes a game, has now seen fewer minutes than 19-year-old Devin Booker and 23-year-old T.J. Warren in all but one of nine contests. And like Gasol, his numbers have taken a correlating hit.
| YEAR | PTS | AST | REB | 3PM | FG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | 19.6 | 5.1 | 3.9 | 2.3 | 41.5 |
| 2016-17 | 11.8 | 3.0 | 2.1 | 0.9 | 36.2 |
Though a correction in FG can be expected as Knight is a career 41.5 percent shooter from the floor, the drop in minutes is impacting his production and possibly his ability to get in rhythm in a game-to-game basis.
Along with the minutes reduction, the production from Booker and Warren will continue to keep Knight off the floor. Booker and Warren are both averaging over 20 points per game and Player Efficiency Ratings nearly double that of Knight's 8.5 (15 is the league average).
Waiver Wire Replacement: Tyler Johnson, Miami Heat
Johnson has returned value on his monster contract surprisingly well in the early going. The third-year pro is averaging 14.5 points and four rebounds along with a 58.1 effective field goal percentage.
PF Thaddeus Young, Indiana Pacers
Teammates Jeff Teague, Monta Ellis, Paul George, Myles Turner have had a noticeable negative impact on Young's usage rate, which has dropped from 21.6 percent last season to 14.6 this season. As a result, his FGA per game have dropped from 13.2 to 8.3.
As expected, Young's points and rebounds have fallen sharply. His past four games have revealed a frighteningly low floor of production, as Young has combined for just 26 points and 19 rebounds in that brief stint.
The one saving grace for Young is his well-rounded style. His ability to produce in multiple categories will keep him in the 25+ minute range, but his lack of involvement could curb his value all season long.
Waiver Wire Replacement: Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets
Chandler, who has been dealing with a hamstring issue of late, has been forcing his way back into fantasy circles after missing all of 2015-16. Through six games, Chandler's averaging 15.7 points and 6.2 rebounds - the type of numbers Young was posting last season. Chandler's injury issues are obvious, but so is his fantasy potential.