When should we say goodbye? Sometimes, you just know it’s time to cut a player loose. Other times, you don’t have a choice because there’s a player on the waiver wire that you just have to have. Emotion can often get the best of us, but it’s important to act logically and without emotion when determining your drops. It’s something that work both ways though as there’s also the risk of getting too attached to a player. As you work on your roster, here are some fantasy basketball drop candidates to consider.
Fantasy Basketball: Who to Drop
Nikola Vucevic, C, Orlando Magic
Fantasy basketball doesn’t generally care about defense. Yes, I know that blocks and steals are categories, but I’m talking about actual defense. Like stick on your man, play hard, and shut down your opponent. Spoiler alert though: it does matter. It matters a lot.
In the sense that a failure to play strong defense could keep a player off the court, we have to care. To begin the season, it’s rendered Vucevic useless. He’s played four games this season and is averaging just 10 minutes per game. It’s clear Orlando doesn’t view the veteran as a true part of the rotation. His performance reflects that, as Vucevic is averaging just 2.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. Forget about the name recognition and look elsewhere.
Anfernee Simons, G, Philadelphia 76ers
Simons is a scorer. A few seasons ago, he averaged 22.6 points per game, and he has other seasons of 17.3, 21.1, and 19.3 points per game. That was in a different time and place, though, as Simons is now just a supporting actor in Philadelphia. That’s not to say he’s forgotten how to score; it’s that the opportunities are no longer as plentiful.
Yes, Simons did score 20 points a few nights ago, but he combined for 11 points in his three previous games. He should be good for around 20 minutes per game in playing time, unless there are injuries, but it’s the shots that are the problem. Or really, the lack thereof.
Don’t be smitten with his good games, because the lack of opportunity will be the overwhelming theme.
Kyle Filipowski, F/C, Utah Jazz
Even with Jaren Jackson and Jusuf Nurkic injured, the Jazz still don’t have faith in Filipowski. He has to DNP’s and in his other three games, he’s played a total of 25 minutes and scored three points and two rebounds. After he averaged 11.4 points and 7.2 rebounds last season in just 23 minutes per game, you are forgiven for having high expectations going into this season.
At 22 years old, he’s too young and talented to be written off just yet. However, it appears that Jaxson Hayes and Mo Bamba are currently ahead of the former Duke standout. Unless something changes, Filipowski doesn’t warrant a roster spot.
Bennedict Mathurin, G/F, New Orleans Pelicans
Coming off the bench doesn’t necessarily matter if you average around 30 minutes per game, as Mathurin has the past two seasons. It’s no surprise then that he averaged 16.1 and 17.6 points, respectively, those two years. If you were expecting something similar in 2026-27, you are currently going to be disappointed.
Mathurin is averaging just 17 minutes per game, and that’s resulted in only 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and two assists per game. That’s not even enough to warrant a roster spot.
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