We are basically one month into the fantasy basketball season and my, how time flies. I’m sure this is said every season but the injury bug seems to be particularly infectious at the moment. This has resulted in a number of players putting up career-best production, whilst others are struggling in the deep end of the production pool. The fantasy blacklist discusses a few players that you could consider kicking to the curb in an attempt to bolster your overall value. These decisions are never to be taken lightly and so the fantasy blacklist is perhaps, the nudge you need.
What?! You’re not hosting your fantasy basketball league on Fantrax? Inconceivable!! Check out all the features of Fantrax Fantasy Basketball Commissioner and we’re pretty sure you’ll come around to our way of thinking.
Fantasy Blacklist: Players to consider dropping
Kyle Kuzma – Lakers (95% rostered)
Kuzma was delayed to begin the season due to injury but has now played in 10 games. Based on this sample size, Kuzma is sitting outside the top-220 on a per-game basis. The scoring is going to be key to any value moving forward, however, the lack of supporting numbers are concerning. Across his 10 games, Kuzma has a total of six assists, two blocks, and one steal. This is simply not going to get it done in competitive leagues. There is a certain amount of name recognition surrounding Kuzma despite the fact he has never put up standard league numbers. Let someone else deal with his fantasy inefficiencies.
Collin Sexton – Cavaliers (95% rostered)
Much like Kuzma, Sexton relies heavily on his scoring when considering his overall fantasy value. He is putting up almost 18 points per game, a number that is certainly not easy to come across. Unfortunately, that’s where the positives end for Sexton. He is the 184th ranked player for the season despite playing over 30 minutes each night. If you desperately need scoring at the end of your bench, Sexton is fine to have on a 12-team roster. However, for the majority of you, there is likely to be a more well-rounded option available on the waiver wire.
Rui Hachimura – Wizards (88% rostered)
Continuing the theme of one-dimensional fantasy players, Hachimura also brings scoring alone to the table. However, in this instance, his scoring numbers are actually below the league average. His season rank of 139 certainly puts him in the standard league discussion. With that being said, the upside would appear capped at this point. He is another player who is not out of place on a 12-team roster if he fits your individual needs. For me, there is likely a more appealing option, be it a hot free-agent or simply streaming the position.
Willie Cauley-Stein – Warriors (83% rostered)
Cauley-Stein is an interesting case given his current rank of 70. This is a perfect example of why rankings need to be put into context and not taken as gospel. Field goal percentage is his strongest category, however, he is attempting just six shots per game. The 2.3 combined defensive stats are nice but there just isn’t enough meat on the bone here. Kevon Looney appears to be nearing a return and this is likely going to impact on Cauley-Stein’s playing time.
Gary Harris – Nuggets (77% rostered)
Another tough call to be made here given the fact Harris has the ability to put up top-50 numbers. He is barely a top-150 player this season despite the fact he is playing 32 minutes per night. There is simply too much depth here and Harris seems to be the odd man out, especially on the offensive end. There is scope for his efficiency to increase which would, in turn, bring his points output closer to 14 per game. This could move him closer to the top-120 mark but is that really someone you want to hold onto in competitive leagues?
Is Adam on track with his fantasy blacklist? Let him know in the comments below! Also, check out our waiver wire and all of our other fantasy basketball content.
Adam is your go-to man for anything fantasy basketball related. Follow him on twitter @adamking91 or hit us up @fantrax or @fantraxnba
Fantrax was one of the fastest-growing fantasy sites of 2018 and we’re not slowing down in 2019! With multi-team trades, designated commissioner/league managers, and drag/drop easy click methods, Fantrax is sure to excite the serious fantasy sports fan – sign up now for a free year at Fantrax.com.