As fantasy basketball playoffs heat up in Week 22, it’s time to take a hard look at some players who have struggled significantly since the All-Star break. While many players have surged to new heights, others have seen their production decline, negatively impacting fantasy lineups. For managers holding these underperforming athletes, the window to make changes is closing fast. Here’s a detailed rundown of some of the most disappointing fantasy performers post All-Star break, highlighting the reasons behind their struggles and what to expect moving forward.
One notable player who has taken a hit in fantasy value is Miles Bridges. Once a top-50 option early in the season, Bridges’ production has dipped considerably since the break. He is now averaging just 10.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and about two combined steals and blocks per game, all while shooting a modest 42% from the field. Perhaps most concerning for fantasy managers is his inability to get to the free-throw line—less than once per game—which removes a crucial fallback when his shooting isn’t falling. Although Bridges showed some signs of life in his last two games by averaging 14 points, 6.5 assists, and knocking down two three-pointers per contest, this performance still falls short of his earlier-season production. Fantasy owners who have been patient may now be reconsidering whether to hold onto Bridges as his role in the Hornets’ offense diminishes.
Interestingly, Bridges’ decline is not happening in isolation. The Hornets as a team have been a pleasant surprise late in the season, boasting a strong 12-5 record since mid-February and winning seven of their last 10 games. However, Bridges has not been a driving force behind this success. His minutes have dropped to around 28.5 per game, and his counting stats have diminished across the board. The emergence of younger players like Coby White has further limited Bridges’ offensive opportunities, pushing him down to being the team’s fourth option. For fantasy managers, this reduced role has made Bridges more of an afterthought compared to the top-60 player he appeared to be before the break.
Another player who has disappointed since the All-Star break is Jarred Vanderbilt of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Vanderbilt, the reigning Sixth Man of the Year, has struggled to maintain his early-season form, posting averages of just 11.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in roughly 25 minutes per game. His shooting percentages have also declined, with 46% from the field and a struggling 69% from the free-throw line, alongside just 1.1 made three-pointers per game. Despite being a solid seventh-round value for fantasy owners this season, Vanderbilt’s steep drop-off has forced many to cut ties. That said, there is a glimmer of hope heading into Week 23, as the Wolves have a four-game slate and Vanderbilt performs notably better when star Anthony Edwards sits out. In such scenarios, Vanderbilt averages 16 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists on an efficient 65% true shooting rate. For managers with playoffs extending into next week, this could be a timely bounce-back opportunity worth monitoring.
Deandre Ayton’s fantasy value has also plummeted since joining the Los Angeles Lakers. Ayton himself has expressed a desire to play a bigger role in the Lakers’ offense, but the reality is that sharing touches with stars like Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves, and LeBron James has limited his opportunities. Throughout the season, Ayton has struggled to find consistency, often relegated to a role player tasked with picking up the pieces rather than being a focal point. His numbers reflect this uncertainty: career lows in key categories including 12.4 points, 8.3 rebounds, and less than one assist per game, with a subpar free-throw shooting percentage of 61%. Post All-Star break, his performance has worsened to 10 points and 7.9 rebounds in 26 minutes per game, with an alarming 55% free throw rate. While his field goal percentage remains solid at 66%, his lack of defensive stats—less than one combined steal and block per game—fails to provide enough upside to keep him rostered in most fantasy leagues, especially with just two weeks left in the season.
Meanwhile, Miles Turner’s season with the Milwaukee Bucks has been nothing short of disappointing