Fantasy basketball managers are facing early-season dilemmas as several proven producers struggle with shooting, role changes, and new lineup dynamics. CBS Sports has identified 15 underperforming players who could represent sell-low opportunities or bounce-back candidates, breaking down whether to hold, buy low, bench, or drop each one.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is averaging just 9.1 points on 36.9% shooting through seven games, though his rebound and assist numbers remain decent. New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy has lost consistency amid a crowded offensive rotation with Dejounte Murray and Jeremiah Fears. Cleveland Cavaliers veteran James Harden, now 37, is posting 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists but shows signs of decline. Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has dipped to 11.1 points per game after back-to-back 16-point seasons.
Other notable names include Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, who is averaging only 7.4 points on 42.5% shooting despite strong rebounding; New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges, scoring just 6.1 points on 30.8% shooting; and Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner, who has fallen to career lows of 8.0 points on 38.6% shooting. The list also covers Matas Buzelis, Ryan Rollins, John Collins, Jalen Green, Aaron Gordon, Mitchell Robinson, Jakob Poeltl, and Scoot Henderson, each with specific concerns about role, efficiency, or playing time.
Fantasy managers should evaluate whether these slumps are fixable or signal real decline before making roster moves. The analysis suggests some players like Gobert and Poeltl may rebound with better health or rhythm, while others such as Harden and Turner face tougher paths back to prior production levels.
