The NBA offseason is unlike any other sport in terms of the unique trades, player signings and power moves that can completely change the complexion of the association. While it’s easy to get caught up in the hype, it’s important to remain focused and maintain a reasonable perception when it comes to fantasy basketball league drafts. Every year there is a number of players that fantasy owner’s reach for in their drafts that turn out to be busts. We decided to highlight a handful of players from each division that could fall in to that category for this season. Here is a look at one potential fantasy basketball league bust from each Central division team.
SG: Dwyane Wade, Cleveland Cavaliers
While the Isaiah Thomas-Kyrie Irving trade stole the headlines, the Cavaliers also added the veteran Wade in an attempt to reload for another NBA Finals run. Wadeis still capable of producing at a high level in spurts but he will turn 36-years-old this January and Cleveland will want to limit his minutes in an effort to keep him as fresh as possible for when it matters the most. Wade could still put up decent averages with the Cavaliers but it’s unrealistic to expect him to average 18.3 points per game the way he did with the Chicago Bulls last season.
SG: Malcolm Brogdon, Milwaukee Bucks
Brogdon exceeded all expectations last season when he averaged 10.2 points, 4.2 assists, 2.8 rebounds and 1.1 steals while shooting 45.7-percent from the field. As impressive as those numbers are for a rookie, Brogdon will have a difficult time improving his averages this season. The reigning Rookie of the Year will have an even more difficult time even matching heightened expectations this season. A higher average draft position than he probably deserves could result in Brogdon ending up as a fantasy basketball league bust this season.
SG: Lance Stephenson, Indiana Pacers
Stephenson posted his best numbers in Indiana but that was a long time ago. A lot has changed since his first stint with the Pacers. Indiana traded for Cory Joseph and Victor Oladipo in the offseason. The Pacers also added Darren Collison as a free agent. Stephenson could still play decent minutes in his return to the Pacers but it’s important to temper expectations for the veteran shooting guard this season. The players, the coaching staff and even Stephenson – as a player – has changed quite a bit. He’s probably best served to be sitting on the waiver wire. If he starts to heat up or flashes that he’s valuable in fantasy, then pick him up. Don’t overpay for him.
C: Robin Lopez, Chicago Bulls
Lopez has been a durable option at the center position in recent years and there isn’t any reason not to expect that to continue this season. He should also play decent minutes for a Chicago team that is still hoping he can provide a veteran presence as they continue their rebuild this season. However, there is no guarantee that Lopez isn’t traded during the season and considering he would likely come off the bench for a contending team it’s important to factor that in to his value. Lopez could be a decent option early in the year but it’s certainly a case of buyer beware for the veteran center as the season goes on.
PG: Reggie Jackson, Detroit Pistons
Jackson missed the first 21 games and the final nine games of the 2016-17 season due to left knee tendinitis. Nobody should be surprised if the injury lingers in to this season. Jackson has the potential to put up solid numbers in Detroit but there is no guarantee that he will be able to stay healthy and in the lineup. The additions of Langston Galloway, Avery Bradley and Luke Kennard make Jackson’s situation that much more uncertain heading in to this season. The team doesn’t need to rely on him like they once used to. Fantasy owners might be better off staying away from the veteran point guard in fantasy basketball league drafts this season.
The 2017 NBA futures are out. It’s been a wild offseason already, but keep an eye on the betting lines as they move around at Diamond Sportsbook! Get the latest NBA betting lines right here.
