As the 2026-27 NBA season progresses, several high-profile players are failing to meet expectations from fantasy basketball managers. From established stars like James Harden and Rudy Gobert to emerging talents such as Josh Giddey and Scoot Henderson, a significant number of players are dealing with slow starts, altered roles, or persistent shooting slumps. For league participants, the challenge lies in distinguishing between temporary dips that warrant patience and genuine declines that signal a need for roster changes. A careful evaluation of these 15 underperforming athletes is essential for making informed decisions in the coming weeks.
Josh Giddey of the Chicago Bulls is a primary example of a player navigating a changing dynamic. While he was a top-tier all-around contributor in previous seasons, he is currently averaging just 9.1 points on 36.9 percent shooting over seven games. Despite decent rebounding and assist numbers, the shift in roster composition suggests he may not reach previous scoring heights, though he remains a viable option for his all-around value.
Trey Murphy of the New Orleans Pelicans is also facing a different offensive landscape. After a stellar previous season, his consistency has waned due to the return of Dejounte Murray and the inclusion of Jeremiah Fears in the starting lineup. Both players are now taking a larger share of shots, which has impacted Murphy's offensive output and overall fantasy reliability.
Veteran James Harden, now 37, is showing clear signs of slowing down for the Cleveland Cavaliers. He is averaging 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. While these numbers represent a solid contribution, they indicate that he may no longer be capable of single-handedly winning fantasy weeks as he was in earlier years of his career. Managers should adjust their expectations regarding his weekly ceiling.
Derrick White of the Boston Celtics is experiencing a similar dip after back-to-back seasons averaging over 16 points per game. He is currently scoring 11.1 points per game, with slight declines in his rebounding and assist categories. The new roster dynamics in Boston suggest that White may not return to his previous offensive peaks, making him a candidate for a cautious hold rather than a drop.
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls was expected to continue his strong performance from last season but is averaging 13.0 points on 40.0 percent shooting. Increased competition within the squad, particularly from Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson, has reduced his offensive opportunities. Meanwhile, Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves continues to dominate the glass with 12.0 rebounds per game, but his scoring has dropped to 7.4 points on 42.5 percent shooting, a concerning trend given his proximity to the basket.
Ryan Rollins of the Milwaukee Bucks is off to a concerning start, averaging 11.0 points on 34.5 percent shooting. His struggles have been severe enough that he was removed from the starting lineup in the most recent game. However, at 24 years old, there is still time for him to rediscover his form. Mikal Bridges of the New York Knicks is also struggling, scoring just 6.1 points per game on 30.8 percent shooting, with limited contributions in rebounds and assists.
John Collins of the Detroit Pistons is finding rhythm with his three-point shooting but struggling elsewhere, including a poor free throw record. Jalen Green of the Phoenix Suns continues to face offensive challenges, with his role complicated by the additions of Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks. Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks is hitting career lows in scoring and shooting, raising the possibility that he may move to the bench as Kel'el Ware gains more playing time.
Aaron Gordon of the Denver Nuggets is shooting at a career-low 35.8 percent from the field, a drop from his recent averages. Mitchell Robinson of the Boston Celtics has yet to make a significant impact, with no double-doubles recorded to date. Jakob Poeltl of the Toronto Raptors is dealing with a shoulder injury and struggling with his shooting efficiency, while Scoot Henderson of the Portland Trail Blazers remains inconsistent despite recent starts, continuing to shoot below 40 percent from the field.
Managers must weigh the age, role changes, and shooting percentages of these players when making final roster decisions. While some, like Gobert and Giddey, offer safe floor values, others like Henderson and Turner may require a replacement to maximize team potential in the latter half of the season.
