Fantasy Basketball: Struggling Stars

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Here’s a look at some fantasy basketball stars that have struggled out of the gate.

Amar’e Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns

I know someone averaging 18.1 points and 7.9 rebounds isn’t grounds for dismissal, but his fantasy owners were expecting more, especially when you consider they are leading the league with 111.3 points per game. You also wouldn’t expect Grant Hill to lead the team in rebounding after 10 games. Even though he’s not meeting expectations, don’t give up on him.

Caron Butler, Washington Wizards

Caron is having a decent year averaging 16.9 points and 7.6 rebounds. His assists are way down from 4.3 last year to 0.6 this year. His scoring is down close to four points from last year. With Gilbert Arenas back, you knew his scoring would suffer, but it shouldn’t have been as dramatic while Antawn Jamison is out. Expect his production to dip even lower when Jamison returns.

Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic

His scoring is down by 2.2 points, his rebounds are down by 3.2, and his blocks are down by 1.5. All of that and Rashard Lewis has yet to step on the court because of his suspension. No need to panic right now though. He’s still putting up nice numbers.

Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors

Calderon’s assists are down from 8.9 to 6.4. The additions of Hedo Turkoglu and Jarrett Jack have been a big part of that decline. I expect that number to increase, but I’m not sure he tops 7.5 this year.

Elton Brand, Philadelphia 76ers

Brand’s averages of 9.5 points and 5.6 rebounds sound more like former No. 1 pick Joe Smith, and not a career 20-10 guy. His minutes are way down (27 per game) and Marreese Speights has become the Sixers best big man. You can try to move him, but expect to get pennies on the dollar. On the flip side, he’s worth the buy low gamble if you can afford to wait it out.

Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls

Many, myself included, thought Rose would take the next step building upon his Rookie-of-the-Year campaign. In actuality, his scoring is down three points (and Ben Gordon left), rebounds is down one, assists are down 0.7, his shooting is down 2.3 percent, and his free-throw shooting is down 6.1 percent. He hasn’t made a three-pointer yet this season. I expect him to bounce back, but he’s frustrating fantasy owners right now.

Andre Miller, Portland Trail Blazers

You knew going to a team with Brandon Roy and Steve Blake was going to hurt his numbers.

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz

The Jazz have a crowded frontcourt with Carlos Boozer, Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko, and Millsap. I’m afraid until there is an injury, and there almost always is, his production will suffer.

Originally published at LestersLegends.com .

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