Fantasy Basketball Midseason Report: Biggest Disappointment – Will There Be a Turnaround?

Alright, fantasy basketball managers, we are now nearing the halfway point of the NBA season. Now it's time to address the mid-level players who are dragging us down. We didn't count on home runs from many of the players listed below. It was just a solid bottom post draft that would provide the depth needed to fill the void in the mid to late rounds. Injuries, inconsistent performance, statistical dips, etc. have left some players not living up to their ADP (average draft position) and I'm not sure they can turn things around.

Let's analyze it.

Jalen Duren – C, Detroit Pistons

Coming off a strong second-year campaign and leaving a lot of disastrous front offices behind, it was expected that Duren would level up in year three. Unfortunately, many of us did not anticipate sharing time with Isaiah Stewart, which ultimately affected his time on the show and his time on the show. production. His rebounding numbers (9.4 RPG) show promise, but his scoring has regressed to his rookie season numbers (less than 10 PPG).

On the positive side, he's blocking 1.2 shots per game, but he won't reach that ADP if his minutes stay in the 25-minute range compared to the late 20s and early 30s. If you list him like I do, you're just waiting for a top-selling moment, even though the Pistons are two games over .500 for the first time. long hour. This means Detroit is competing against tanking.

Jrue Holiday – PG/SG, Boston Celtics

Jrue wasn't a “bad” player, but he underperformed his ADP by almost two rounds. Of all the Celtics starters who have seen a gradual decline, Holiday was the best candidate given his age and role in the offense. Holiday's scoring and efficiency have taken a bit of a step back, and while his defensive ability is still solid (we like him), it doesn't exactly make up for lower-than-expected scoring or the occasional no-show game.

Although his usage is consistent with last year, Holiday is a better actual player than a fantasy asset at this stage of his career.

Jusuf Nurkic (C, Phoenix Suns)

When Coach Bud was announced as the new head coach of the Suns, I evaluated Nurk with optimism that he could be a discounter for Brook Lopez. The exact opposite happened. Nurk wasn't even benched midway through the season for being the cone of the defense and not bringing much in on the offensive end. He's shooting 45% from the field and while his rebounding numbers are holding up (9.2 RPG), the high-end numbers are problematic.

• Career-low box score plus-minus (BPM) -3.3

• Career Low Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 12.8

• Hit a career low with a value-against-replacement of -0.2.

• Career low usage rate of 18.7%

• High career turnover rate of 22.8%

In addition to constant injury concerns, Nurkic has become completely worn out by the managers who have given him a chance. If you haven't done so already, please continue. Yes, I'm talking to 73% of fantasy managers.

Kyle Kuzma – PF, Washington Wizards

Kuzma is one of the worst nine draft picks this season. He's averaging the lowest points, rebounds, assists and FG% in four seasons while also posting the worst true shooting percentage of his career. Some of his disappointing play may be due to injuries, but he's nowhere near the player we've seen in recent years. I'm shocked that he's still listed in 79% of Yahoo leagues.

Are you waiting for a potential deal?

If so, now is the time to send him packing. That's because he played 35 minutes in Monday's loss to the Timberwolves and scored 22 points (9-21 FG, 3-8 3PT) with five boards and an assist. This is the second time he has scored 20 or more points in 21 games this season. This is the perfect moment to sell at top price before his next big hit. Even if he ends up making a deal in real life, there's no guarantee that it will be for greener pastures.

Bogdan Bogdanovic – SG/SF, Atlanta Hawks

I think we were waiting forever So that Bogdanovic can stay healthy and provide us with consistent fantasy numbers. While there have been flashes of potential for a return to form from last season, with Dyson Daniels breaking out and De'Andre Hunter emerging as a legitimate top-6 candidate, Bogey has been playing inconsistent minutes (25.6 MPG, the lowest minutes of his career). ) was recorded. ) Disappointing production (just 11/3/2 on 42% shooting).

He's still on 61% of rosters across Yahoo leagues, but they'd have left him out by now. He no longer offers sixth-round value to fantasy managers, and the Hawks' other wings outperform him.

Terry Rozier – PG, Miami Heat

The Heat traded for Rozier near the deadline last season, and Rozier didn't provide much ROI for them or their fantasy managers. Rozier's ADP was mediocre, but playing at a level nearly 100 points worse than his preseason ADP is much lower than we expected. Rozier (12 PPG on 40% FG) hasn't done anything from an efficiency or counting stat standpoint to warrant a 65% roster spot.

He's still getting his opportunities away from the team alongside Jimmy Butler, but even if that holds up, his drop in usage (20%) and assist rate (14%) show he's taking a backseat. Can Scary Terry change things? maybe. But if you drafted him expecting consistent production, that frustration is entirely valid.

Honorable Mentions:

Mike Conley Jr. PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

final thoughts

Fantasy basketball is about patience. Some players are off to slow starts, others are struggling due to injuries or role changes, and some are…well, maybe not “so” this season. But don't forget what makes it fun. The unpredictability, the comeback story, and the “I told you so” call when you finally catch the man who figured it out.

Please be patient, manager. Remember, you are in control of your team. If patience isn't your style, you can always shake up the roster and continue making disappointing picks if you see a path to increase production. Anyway, hope for a good result in the second half!