Fantasy Basketball Dynasty Weekly: Early Season Fallers

Indianapolis: So, we just had a chat about ten players who are really stepping up their game this season. Now, let’s flip the script and talk about ten players whose stock has taken a hit. Just to clarify, it’s tough to change a player’s dynasty ranking drastically based on a few games. But after a quarter of the season, it’s worth checking in on who might need a little downgrade.

First off, being on this list doesn’t mean I think these players are total flops. It just means if I were to update my rankings today, they wouldn’t be as high as before. For those top-tier guys, maybe they drop a couple of spots. But for others outside the top 50, we’re looking at bigger falls.

This is actually a good time to snag some of these players at a lower price. I’m not saying all of them will bounce back, but some definitely could. I still believe in a few of them, but their recent performances are making me rethink my earlier optimism. Even if I still have faith, I need to adjust based on what they’ve shown on the court.

The best move is to see if you agree with my take and decide if it’s worth trying to buy low in your league. If the price is right, I say go for it, even if their value has dipped.

Take Tyrese Haliburton from the Pacers, for example. He was a fantasy darling the last couple of seasons, but this year hasn’t been as kind. He’s logging a career-high in minutes but his scoring is down, which makes me rethink where he stands compared to other stars.

Then there’s Joel Embiid. He’s still a beast when he’s on the court, but with his injury history and age, it’s hard to trust he’ll stay healthy. He’s only played five games this season, and that’s a red flag for dynasty formats.

And what about Scoot Henderson? I still believe in him, but he’s not living up to expectations. Learning the point guard role in the NBA takes time, so I’m not ready to give up on him just yet.

Desmond Bane has had a rough start too. After a couple of solid seasons, he’s been struggling. I think he’ll improve, but with his age and injury history, it’s tough to keep him ranked high.

Nic Claxton has had a bit of a rollercoaster ride. He was solid last season, but this year he’s outside the top 100. He needs to step it up, especially in blocks and rebounds, to regain some value.

Onyeka Okongwu is another one. We’ve been waiting for him to break out, but he hasn’t shown enough this season. He’s got potential, but it’s starting to feel like a long wait.

Jalen Duren is struggling too. With a new coach focusing on defense, he’s not getting the minutes he needs to shine. He’s still young, so there’s hope, but this season has been a wake-up call.

Brandin Podziemski had high hopes, but he’s not living up to the hype. He’s been underwhelming this season, and it’s unclear if he’ll turn it around.

D’Angelo Russell could use a fresh start. He’s had some good moments, but playing for the Lakers puts a spotlight on his weaknesses. He’s still got some good years ahead, but maybe not in L.A.

Lastly, Jaden McDaniels is a solid defender, but his offensive game has taken a hit. He’s not a must-have in redraft leagues anymore, and it’s hard to see him breaking out soon.