Fantasy managers face early decisions on Ty Jerome and Draymond Green

Ty Jerome of the Memphis Grizzlies has become the hottest asset in fantasy basketball leagues after scoring 45 points against the Utah Jazz on opening night. He followed that performance with 28 points and five assists against the Golden State Warriors. Although Jerome is rostered in 89.7% of ESPN leagues, analysts suggest managers should look to trade him now while his value is at its peak. The Grizzlies have structured their offense around Jerome, but the pace of his scoring is difficult to sustain against stronger opponents later in the season.

Conversely, Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors appears to be a liability for most fantasy rosters. In two games, Green has recorded only seven points, one steal, two blocks, and one three-pointer. He sat out the second night of a back-to-back set on Saturday. At 36 years old, Green is part of a struggling Warriors team that is already managing the minutes of himself and Stephen Curry. Experts advise dropping Green for players like Jalen Smith, Yaxel Lendeborg, or Wendell Carter Jr.

Other players are seeing their stock rise or fall based on early-season production. Dennis Schroder of the Charlotte Hornets is a strong waiver-wire target. He scored 25 points, grabbed six rebounds, and dished out four assists against the Miami Heat. While Coby White is recovering from a calf strain, Schroder provides immediate help for managers needing assists and points. Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls is another candidate for an add. He has scored 14 or 15 points in each of his first three games while averaging 8.0 rebounds and 1.5 steals.

Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks is struggling to find rhythm. He scored zero points in Saturday's loss to Philadelphia. Over three games, Turner averages 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds. His playing time was limited to 20 minutes on Saturday due to foul trouble, while rookie Kel'el Ware contributed 19 points and 13 rebounds. Turner remains the starter, but his inconsistent shooting and the emergence of Ware make him a candidate for a lowball trade.

Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks has also seen his value dip. In his first three games, he has not scored more than 10 points or grabbed more than six rebounds. He recorded his first block and steal of the season on Saturday. The Hawks have a deep frontcourt with Jalen Johnson and Aaron Wiggins performing well. Okongwu is a capable three-point shooter, but he may struggle to produce offense while his teammates are healthy. Managers should be cautious about holding him as a primary option.

The current landscape reflects a mix of high-flying scorers and aging veterans adjusting to new roles. Jerome’s success is partly attributed to playing against the Jazz and Warriors, both of whom are having rough starts. Schroder’s role is temporary, as he will likely see reduced minutes once White returns. Smith’s opportunity exists because the Bulls are thin at center, with Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka seeing limited action. These dynamics may shift as injuries heal and schedules progress.

Managers are encouraged to act on these trends immediately. Trading Jerome for a veteran like Trey Murphy III or Brandon Miller is a recommended move. Dropping Green allows for the acquisition of more active players. Picking up Schroder and Smith provides depth and immediate production. The next step for fantasy teams is to monitor injury reports and adjust rosters based on weekly matchups and minutes played.

The early season provides a clear picture of which players are delivering value and which are underperforming. Jerome’s hot start is a rare opportunity to maximize trade value. Green’s limited impact suggests he is not worth a roster spot for most teams. Turner’s inconsistency and Okongwu’s quiet start require careful management. Schroder and Smith offer reliable options for managers looking to strengthen their lineups. These decisions set the tone for the remainder of the season.