Every season in fantasy basketball presents its unique challenges and surprises. This time around, I’ve exercised patience as much as possible. Now that we’re 12 weeks in, I’m pressing the panic button on five players due to a variety of factors like poor performances, role changes, potential trades or reduced playing time.
Walker Kessler – C, Utah Jazz
He’s a top-80 player in category leagues, so how could I possibly be hating? Well, his minutes have been trending down, and I don’t see this trend changing anytime soon. Kessler was thought to be the center of the future (and still is), and yet, he’s averaging only 20.9 minutes a night through six games in January (a season low). His blocks and high FG percentage continue propping up his ranking.
The problem is John Collins. He’s started the last 10 games at center for the Jazz, and the results have been great. Well, the on/off data paints a different picture, but they’re winning games! The Jazz reeled off eight wins in their last 10 games and are only a half-game back of the eighth seed in the Western Conference.
With Collins at center, Kessler’s been averaging 8.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 0.3 assists and 2.1 blocks coming off the bench in January. Though his production is down, the silver lining is that he’s making a positive impact on winning. He has the highest plus/minus on the team (+114) over the last 10 games. So there’s some hope.
However, the numbers he’s producing are far below expectations. If my team were struggling, I’d try to sell him after a good outing. The other option is to hold onto the idea of Danny Ainge salvaging his value by doing what he does best — making a trade. Include one of Kelly Olynyk or John Collins (preferably Collins), and perhaps we’ll get the Kessler of last year, a guy who averaged over 12 points with 11 rebounds and three blocks after the All-Star break.
That version of Kessler is why fantasy managers spent a fourth-rounder on him in the preseason. Unfortunately, he hasn’t come close to that this season.
Zion Williamson – PF/C, New Orleans Pelicans
The former No. 1 overall pick and All-Star has seen his production drop over the…
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