If you love something, let it go
Losing something is one of the worst parts of daily life for a human being. Losing your keys, your wallet or your first edition holographic Charizard for example. Generally speaking, displacing your belongings is an unpleasant experience. On the flip side of this coin, which I swear was just in my pocket, are the things you benefit from losing. It can sometimes be good for you to lose something, although it’s usually difficult to acknowledge that when it happens. A toxic relationship is a classic example.
There are probably some players on your fantasy team that you should lose, but it is just too hard to let go. I recently dropped someone I drafted in the fourth round. What you initially invested in these players is unimportant now. You need to do what’s best for your team in the present, the past is gone. With these players, I strongly recommend you trade them or simply drop them.
PF – Draymond Green
It’s been a rough year for Golden State, especially for Draymond Green. His statistical production is as disappointing as last year’s, if not more so. He’s averaging one fewer assist and rebound compared to last year, and his FG% has dropped by six percent. What’s really hurt owners is that he’s played in just 32 of a possible 45 games so far this season. The Warriors have no incentive to play him. They’re going to have a very high lottery pick next year if they remain at the bottom of the Western Conference. Stephen Curry is still out with a broken hand, and Klay Thompson’s return is not in sight. I believe Steve Kerr will sit Green for even the smallest of boo-boos. If you can trade him based on name value, you couldn’t possibly downgrade your situation.
C – DeAndre Jordan
DeAndre 3000 is a shell of his former NBA self. The last time he averaged fewer than 10 rebounds, 10 points and 25 minutes was in 2012. The two-time All-Defensive First Team member is also averaging a career-low 0.9 blocks per game. The Nets have played 42 games. Jordan has played in 37 but only started in four of those. It’s clear that Jarrett Allen is Brooklyn’s center of the future. Even though he’s just 31 years old, you might want to consider removing him from your fantasy basketball consciousness. I’m afraid he’s washed up and there just isn’t a place in the NBA for an aging center who can’t shoot the deep ball.
SF – De’Andre Hunter
When you drafted De’Andre Hunter, you knew you were taking a shot in the dark. Hunter was supposed to be an NBA-ready prospect with great defensive instincts. So far, he hasn’t shown much of that. He has a great shooting night every now and then, but for the most part, he’s a bricklayer. Four rebounds and 12 points on 40 percent shooting isn’t going to get the job done in most leagues. Atlanta is still giving him 30 minutes each night, but I don’t foresee any drastic changes to his production in the near future. You can safely drop him in all formats other than large or dynasty leagues.
PG – Jeff Teague
It pains me to say it, but you can probably drop Jeff Teague. The Timberwolves traded him to the Hawks along with Treveon Graham in exchange for Allen Crabbe. In Minnesota, Teague had value in the sixth man role. In Atlanta, he’s the backup to Trae Young, who plays 35 minutes per night. Teague’s value obviously gets a boost if Young gets injured again, but I wouldn’t count on it. I would wait for a few more games to get a better picture of what his role with the team is, but I have a feeling it’s not going to be good for his fantasy value.