Fantasy Basketball Underperformers
NBA Fantasy Players to Trade for While Their Stock is Low
The first few weeks of every Fantasy NBA season is time of uncertainty, a time of concern, as it is difficult to accurately assess your team’s strengths and weaknesses. The problem is sample size: there haven’t been enough games played to differentiate between long-term trends and statistical anomalies. The seasoned fantasy owner knows that this no time to panic, but, despite the fact that all the fantasy “experts” preach patience, there are always owners who just can’t seem to wait out their player’s slow starts. This is a great opportunity for owners with some foresight to capitalize on the other guy’s impatience. Here are three players who have, thus far, have failed to meet expectation.
Amare's Fantasy Value Is Sure To Rise
After missing the final 29 games of last season, Amare Stoudemire has so far this season looked a bit out of sorts. His averages are down across the board. He is averaging only 18 points and eight rebounds a night through his teams first nine games. Those aren’t necessarily bad numbers, though. For players drafted in the middle or late rounds of the draft, these would be welcomed, even celebrated, numbers. But, unfortunately, if you own Stoudamire, you likely used a high second round pick to get him; and you were most likely expecting much, much more out of him, especially with Shaquille O’Neal gone and the return of the up tempo Phoenix offense. Most Stoudemire owners are wondering right now whether he’ll return to his 07-08 form—the year he posted over 25 points and 9 rebounds. Perhaps these owners are panicking. And that is what makes Stoudemire an excellent trade target: he is a potential top-ten player currently underperforming. Float some trade proposals to that nervous Stoudemire owner, see if he’s willing to part with his struggling star. Ideally, you should try to package a couple players of your own that you feel have so far over-performed. It may take a few weeks, but by January Stoudemire should be back to his old ways, and could prove to be that final piece your team needs to put you over the top.
J.R. Smith Is Heading For A Big Year
After serving his seven-game suspension, Smith returned to the Nuggets a little rusty. In his first two games back, he has managed only 11.5 points on 8 of 24 shooting (1 of 8 from deep). The poor shooting is to be expected after missing that much time, but owners may be more concerned with the ambiguity regarding Smith’s new role in the Denver offense. Head coach George Karl has been reluctant to give any definitive answer as to whether Smith will eventually start, or whether he will continue use him as a sixth-man. Last season, Smith posted some really impressive numbers after the All-Star, despite coming off the bench. This year shouldn’t be any different, but make an offer to the Smith owner in your league, and see if they’re willing to deal. You never know, they may have grown weary of waiting. Given enough minutes, J.R. Smith could almost single-handedly shore up your three-pointers, so if you want him, now may be your best chance.
Rose's Sophomore Slump Won't Last
Last season’s Rookie of the Year is off to a slow start this year. His scoring average is down three points per game, and the rest of his numbers haven’t been great either. It’s surprising given how well he played against the Celtics in the playoffs this past spring. Many people were expecting Rose to take a big leap in terms of production in his sophomore campaign. So far though, he’s been slowed in the early going by a few minor injuries. He should be fine in a few weeks, but his owner may thinking that they may over-valued Rose on draft night, and could be open to cutting their loses. If you have a player currently putting up numbers you don’t think he can maintain, try packaging him with another player you can afford to lose. It’s important to remember that it’s a long season. Over the course of 82 games, every player goes through a rough stretch or two. Some players struggle to get it going early; others falter midseason; while still others sputter out towards the end. Fantasy owners are by their very nature a highly impatient bunch: they want to constant and consistent production. However, the key to fantasy success is patience and foresight. A smart fantasy owner knows how to use these qualities against owners who lack them. With a clear-headed assessment of a player’s true value, you can have a lot of success buying low and selling high.
Amare Stoudemire
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