Question: are seven games too soon to make any kind of judgement on an NBA player’s performance? I believe that it isn’t too early to come to a decision. Second question: once you’ve come to the conclusion that they are a disappointment, what to do about it? Largely, that depends on the size of the league. Many leagues have ten or twelve members. As such, most of the players listed on this fantasy basketball disappointing players edition can be safely moved to the waiver wire.

Once the move is complete, a suitable replacement can be found. Check here for some players to target. The key is not to wait too long to make the drop and have the player drag down the rest of the roster. With that in mind, let’s get down to business in naming these players. As always, debate and discussion are strongly encouraged. Have disagreements with the selections? Have a player that should be added? Let’s talk about it!

Walker Kessler, Center, Utah Jazz

Without question, Walker Kessler was one of the biggest success stories last year. Not only was he a success, it could be argued that he was one of the best waiver pickups of the season. Kessler came out of nowhere to play 74 games, averaging 9.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and a sensational 2.3 blocks per game. He was especially effective down the stretch, setting him up a huge sophomore season.

However, so far in 2023, he is more like the definition of a sophomore slump. Of average, he was taken in the 7th round of drafts. Thus far, he hasn’t come close to living up to those lofty expectations. Kessler has played more than 30 minutes just once this season. The logjam of players in the Utah front court can account for that. Perhaps managers should have seen that coming when draft day rolled around.

In any case, Kessler has averaged 8.3 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. Just looking at the numbers indicate he is right where he produced last season. However, more was expected of him, as mentioned above, after his great finish to last year. Worst of all, he is now listed as out for two weeks due to a sprained left elbow. He has already been dropped in many leagues. Without doubt, those that have not done so yet can safely follow suit. He belongs on the wire.

Jordan Poole, SG/PG, Washington Wizards

Unlike other players on this fantasy basketball disappointing players edition, it is too early to send Jordan Poole to the waiver wasteland. However, it isn’t too soon to judge him as a disappointment. Poole was taken in the third round on average, and in some leagues, he was taken even higher. He was expected to be the one player from the Wizard roster that managers could count on.

Hold the phone, as the early returns indicate that not to be true. Through nine games, Poole is averaging 16.4 points, a significant decrease from the 20.4 he had last season. Even more disturbing, perhaps, is the fact that he has averaged 27.9 minutes a night, after being at 30 the last two seasons in Golden State. He was expected to be on the court more than any other Washington player. However, that hasn’t been the case so far.

As disappointing as he has been, the last three games show an even more troubling trend. Any explosiveness has been absent as Poole has scored only 36 points combined in the three contests. Even worse, he has totals of nine rebounds and nine assists as well. In points leagues, he has provided (if one wants to call it that) seven, 21 and 18 fantasy points in those three games. Most certainly, he has to provide more production than that. Given the draft capital used on him, though, it is too early to send him to the showers. Give him a little more time and then decide what needs to be done.

Andrew Wiggins, SF, PF, Golden State Warriors

Poole’s former teammate, Andrew Wiggins, also deserves a place on this list. When it comes to a drop in averages, few take a back seat to Wiggins so far in 2023. He has put up 10.5 points, 3.7 rebounds and one assist in 26 minutes per game. Those stats pale in comparison to the 17.1, 5.0, 2.3 and 32.3 he averaged in 2022-2023. In fact, the 17.1 is the lowest PPG he has had since his rookie year. No question, he will completely fall short of that this year.

As Wiggins was taken in the ninth round on average, it can be safely said that much more was expected of him. In his last five games, he hasn’t scored more than 13 or grabbed more than six rebounds in any of them. As a matter of fact, he has scored in single digits in three. In points leagues, Wiggins has provided more than 20 points just twice on the year. What is the conclusion on him? It is an easy one. Send him to waivers as soon as possible, if not sooner.

P.J. Washington, PF, Charlotte Hornets

On the surface, it appears that P.J. Washington is having a mirror season to what he produced in 2022-2023. In fact, just a single digit separates his 15.6 PPG from last year’s 15.7. That’s great and all, but Washington has practically disappeared in his last three games. After scoring 20 against Dallas on 11/5, he has 19 points combined since, including just four against NY on Sunday.

To be sure, Washington has really struggled from the field this season. He is shooting just 27.8% beyond the three-point arc. Further, the schedule does him and his fantasy managers no favors this week. The Hornets play just once before back-to-back sets Friday and Saturday. It is the judgment of this fantasy basketball disappointing players that Washington should be sent to the wire. If desired, pick him back up before the two games this weekend. For now, though, there are better options out there.

Other disappointing Players:

Of the players listed here, Christian Wood was most likely the last one drafted, going on average in the 13th round. Even so, he is a clear disappointment. Many thought that he would provide some scoring punch off the bench for the Lakers. After all, Wood averaged 16.6 PPG in almost 26 minutes a night for Dallas last season. He has disappeared this season, though, with only 7.4 PPG in barely 22 minutes. In fact, he has scored just 12 points total in his last three games. Even though he is a center, there are players who will provide more than Wood has on the wire. Find him and let Wood disappear from the roster.

Speaking of disappearing acts, Cole Anthony certainly qualifies. After scoring 19 and 18 points in two of three games recently, many were on the verge of picking him up, if not outright doing so. Since then, though, Anthony has been absolutely frozen, scoring just 11 points total in his last two games. In his last game, he played just 14 minutes. As a point guard, there are many on the wire that can give you better production than Anthony. Resist the urge and leave him in the waiver wasteland.

Last but not Least

Finally, may I present Josh Hart? He didn’t score a lot last year, averaging 9.8 PPG. However, he could rebound (7.8) and pass the ball (3.8). He was drafted in fantasy leagues, but has not justified such a move. He is averaging just 6.1 PPG, his lowest scoring output ever. His rebounding (6.2) and assist totals (2.4) are down as well. In his last two games, Hart has just nine total points.

It’s nice that he can play both small forward and shooting guard, but there are others who can do that as well. Just like the other players mentioned on this fantasy basketball disappointing players edition, Hart is destined for the wire. He shouldn’t be anywhere near his current 36% roster level. Send him to the wire. Do it today.

The Last Word

Thank you for joining me for this fantasy basketball player disappointments edition! As always, I welcome suggestions, comments and input from all my readers. Let’s discuss!

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