Welcome to the team. Thanks, but no thanks; we barely knew you. Yes, the 2026-27 NBA season isn’t even a week old, but that’s no excuse to be complacent. There’s a balance between working to improve your team while not giving up on a player too soon. As you look to improve your teams, unfortunately, you do have to make a drop whether you like it or not. With a sample size as small as it can be, let’s take a look at fantasy basketball drop candidates to begin the season.
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Fantasy Basketball: Who to Drop
Mitchell Robinson, C, Boston Celtics
We know the damage that Robinson can do to your free-throw percentage. Staying healthy has also been another issue for Robinson, and he already rolled his ankle in the season opener. The center failed to distinguish himself and played just 18 minutes against Detroit on Tuesday. That was slightly less than Neemias Queta’s 22 minutes, and Luka Garza also played a role. With four points and three rebounds, Robinson struggled to get going. Again, it’s just one game, but there’s real competition for playing time, and Robinson doesn’t offer much in the way of consistent upside.
Ben Simmons, F, Sacramento Kings
My expectations were held to a minimum, but man, it could have been something. Forget about this season, that statement could apply to Simmons’ entire career. Whether it was injuries or ineffectiveness, Simmons hasn’t been a consistently viable option since the 2020-21 season.
That hasn’t stopped Simmons from trying to return to relevance, and this season was no different. When healthy, Simmons was never a true lockdown shooter, but he averaged over 16 points per game at his peak. He contributed across the board in every category but free-throw percentage, and for a time, the future was bright.
Simmons has tried to stay relevant over the past few years, but his health hasn’t cooperated. This season, Simmons initially looked good in the preseason, and at age 30, maybe there was still value left to be found. Instead, he tore his Achilles and is now done for the season.
Kristaps Porzingis, C, Golden State Warriors
When things went right for Porzingis, there was a lot to like. Ultimately, he didn’t stick in New York, and health issues and inconsistency followed him around. Things are a bit more serious than your standard basketball injuries, as Porzingis is now dealing with an autoimmune disorder. At this point, it’s unclear when or if we’ll see him back on the court. Unless you have an Injured Reserve spot available, stashing Porzingis isn’t a plausible option.
Khris Middleton, F, Washington Wizards
For a long time, Middleton has been a very good player in the NBA. He has multiple 20-point seasons on his resume, but the forward is getting to be past his prime. His role on the Wizards for this season is more of a veteran support than a core player.
In the first game of the season, Middleton played just 12 minutes and finished with only two points and two rebounds. He may have the name recognition, but from a fantasy perspective, it’s time to look elsewhere.
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