Rankings in fantasy sports should be used more as a guide than Bible. Try not to get caught up in actual ranks rather than a player’s overall performance, present situation and future outlook. Our ranks are updated about twice a month to reflect injuries, trades, breakouts, etc.
Here are a few notable players that have both jumped and dropped in ranks:
NBA players on the rise
Isaiah Thomas, Sac PG
With the recent trade between the Kings and Raptors, Thomas will no longer be in a time share with Grevis Vasquez being part of the package sent to Toronto. Mr. Irrelevant has proven to be a somebody.
DeMar DeRozan, Tor SG/SF
DeRozan should be the main benefactor on the Raptors’ end of their trade with the Kings. Gay and DeRozan didn’t quite work out, as both players are volume shooters. DeRozan is now first in line at the buffet table and will get all the shots he can take.
Kobe Bryant, LAL SG
Return of the Black Mamba. The only way to get used to live game action is to get on the court, which he’s done in about the time frame he was given. Those who drafted him should be rewarded in the coming months.
Bradley Beal, Wsh SG
Beal looks to be nearing return from a leg injury after no reported setbacks during Monday’s checkup. If he’s somehow on your waivers, grab him. The Wizards have been treading water without Beal, but anxiously await as he was filling up the stat sheet before going down and should pick up right where he left off.
Taj Gibson, Chi PF/C
He’s been putting up top-50 production over the last two weeks. His strong play has warranted roster consideration in virtually all formats. Should anything happen to either Carlos Boozer or Joakim Noah (trade/injury) Gibson would be a must-own player.
NBA players on the decline
Anthony Davis, NO PF/C
Sucks to see the big man out for an extended period. He was really starting to show the world his full abilities, and has earned him the top overall fantasy spot until the injury. Unless you get a ridiculous offer, weather the storm until Davis returns.
Tobias Harris, Orl SF/PF
His long anticipated return/start of the season was quickly forgotten, as he’s right back on the bench nursing a mysterious ankle sprain. If he can get back on the court, he’ll be a great waiver add.
Grevis Vasquez, Tor PG/SG
Although starting while in Sacramento, he wasn’t putting up numbers like last year and was in a time-share with IT2. Now he’ll take the backseat to Toronto’s incumbent starter Kyle Lowry.
Ricky Rubio, Min PG
The steals and dimes are great, but that’s sort of expected. What’s not expected is for Rubio to be averaging a career low 8.4 points per game through a quarter of the season. With the addition of Kevin Martin and a healthy Kevin Love it’d at least be nice for Rubio to subsidize his lack of double digit points with double digit assists.
Mark Gasol, Mem C
Another victim to the evil injury bug. Good for top-20 value prior to spraining an MCL. He could be a nice buy low target if you’re willing to have him sit on your bench for a few weeks.
Click here for our 2013 Fantasy Basketball Rest of Season Rankings.
