Fantasy basketball managers are facing early-season dilemmas as multiple proven producers struggle with shooting, role changes, and new lineup dynamics. CBS Sports identifies 15 players whose slow starts warrant attention, analyzing whether their slumps are fixable or signal real decline.
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey is averaging 9.1 points on 36.9% shooting through seven games, though his rebounding and assists remain decent. New Orleans Pelicans forward Trey Murphy has lost consistency amid the return of Dejounte Murray and the emergence of Jeremiah Fears. Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden, 37, is posting 16.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6.3 assists but shows little sign of his former week-winning upside.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has dipped to 11.1 points over seven games after back-to-back 16-plus-point seasons. Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is shooting 40.0% and faces increased competition from Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson. Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is grabbing 12.0 rebounds but scoring only 7.4 points on 42.5% shooting near the basket.
Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins has fallen to 11.0 points on 34.5% shooting and lost his starting spot. New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges averages 6.1 points on 30.8% shooting with minimal peripheral contributions. Detroit Pistons forward John Collins is shooting 42.4% from the field and 2-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green averages 11.0 points on 41.8% shooting and faces a crowded offensive hierarchy with Miles Bridges and Dillon Brooks. Milwaukee Bucks center Myles Turner is at career lows of 8.0 points on 38.6% shooting and 5.1 rebounds, with Kel'el Ware pushing for minutes. Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon is at 11.5 points on a career-low 35.8% field-goal percentage.
Boston Celtics center Mitchell Robinson has yet to record a double-double and may settle into a backup role. Toronto Raptors center Jakob Poeltl averages 4.6 points on 52.9% shooting, his worst since his rookie year, and has missed two games with a shoulder injury. Portland Trail Blazers guard Scoot Henderson, a former third overall pick, averages 8.7 points on 34.0% shooting in 22 minutes and has not topped 42% shooting in any season.
