Fantasy NBA: Jerome's hot start masks sustainability issues

Fantasy basketball managers face a difficult decision this week regarding whether to hold onto players who had explosive starts or sell high on their value. Ty Jerome of the Memphis Grizzlies is the primary candidate for a trade, even though he is already rostered in 89.7% of ESPN leagues. Jerome scored 45 points against Utah on opening night and followed that performance with 28 points and five assists against Golden State. Despite these numbers, his success is partly attributed to facing teams that started the season poorly. The Grizzlies have structured their offense to favor Jerome, but his current shooting pace is unlikely to last the entire season. Managers should aim to trade him for a struggling veteran like Trey Murphy III or Brandon Miller while his value is elevated.

Conversely, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors is a strong candidate for a drop. The 36-year-old has played in only two games so far, scoring a total of seven points. He recorded one steal, one block, and one three-point attempt across those contests. Green sat out the second night of a back-to-back series on Saturday. The Warriors are struggling on the court, and both Green and Stephen Curry are already receiving rest. Green's production does not justify a roster spot in most leagues. Managers should consider replacing him with available big men such as Jalen Smith, Yaxel Lendeborg, or Wendell Carter Jr.

Two other players are showing positive early signs. Dennis Schroder of the Charlotte Hornets is a low-cost addition for managers needing assists. He is rostered in only 9.7% of leagues. Schroder scored 25 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists against Miami on Saturday. He has also made three three-pointers in that game. While Coby White is injured with a calf strain, Schroder provides a reliable source of points and playmaking until White returns to the lineup.

Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls is another potential waiver wire target, currently rostered in 22.8% of leagues. Smith has scored 14 or 15 points in each of his first three games. He averages 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. The Bulls have a depth issue at center, with Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka seeing limited minutes. Smith is the primary big man for Chicago right now. He has also made four three-pointers in his last two games. Managers should look to acquire him if he is available, though his playing time may fluctuate as other players return from injuries.

Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks is a player who may be on the bubble. He is rostered in 52.4% of leagues but has averaged just 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over his first three games. Turner scored zero points in Saturday's loss to Philadelphia due to foul trouble. He played only 20 minutes in that game. Kel'el Ware has emerged as a strong contributor, recording 19 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes against the same opponent. Turner has not lost his starting role, but his limited production makes him a lowball trade target.

Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks is another big man whose value may dip in the short term. He is rostered in 80% of leagues. Okongwu has not scored more than 10 points or grabbed more than six rebounds in any of his three games this season. His first block and steal of the year came on Saturday. The Hawks have a crowded backcourt with Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Aaron Wiggins all performing well. This depth means Okongwu may have less offensive responsibility while his teammates are healthy. Managers should consider making offers for him while his value is lower, but be aware that he might remain a fifth or sixth option on offense for some time.