Shaedon Sharpe, a player for the Portland Trail Blazers, has been a standout in fantasy basketball leagues. However, with several players returning from injury, it may be wise to consider selling high on him at this time (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images) (Steph Chambers via Getty Images).
Entering Week 5 of the NBA season, there is growing concern about volume scorers who have failed to make significant improvements. Specifically, there are 10 players in the league who are averaging over 14.0 shots per game while shooting under 41.0% from the field. Players like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Green are examples of this concerning trend, with Green standing out as a prime candidate for trading.
Jalen Green has shown signs of stagnation in his performance in his third year in the league. His decision-making while driving to the basket is still inconsistent and his shooting efficiency has not shown any significant improvement. Green’s shooting percentage of 39.5% represents the worst performance of his career so far. However, he remains a strong source of three-pointers, making 35.4% of 5.4 triples per game.
As a result of Green’s stagnation and the Houston Rockets’ push for a playoff berth, it’s uncertain how much coach Ime Udoka will rely on him if he doesn’t show improvement. Therefore, it might be a good time to consider trading him for more reliable assets.
Despite his potential, Sharpe has been a huge beneficiary of circumstances in Portland, which may change as injured players return. With his usage rate set to decrease, it’s worth considering selling high on Sharpe. Additionally, Portland has a history of committing to tanking in recent seasons, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding Sharpe’s future contributions. Sharpe’s breakout box-score production may not hold up in leagues where efficiency matters, making him a genuine candidate for a trade.
Terrance Ross, currently sidelined with a left hamstring strain, is a player in the Orlando Magic who may present a good opportunity for a buy-low trade due to his expected return in the near future. Orlando has relied on veteran Ish Smith to fill in for Ross and may welcome his presence in the lineup upon his return. Ross’s scoring potential will be crucial for the team as their offense has struggled in recent weeks.
DeMar DeRozan’s performance with the Chicago Bulls has been underwhelming, casting doubt on his ability to provide consistent scoring. His shooting percentages are significantly lower compared to previous seasons, making him a potential candidate for improvement into a bigger role in the team’s offense.
Jusuf Nurkic, currently playing for the Portland Trail Blazers, has shown inconsistency in his performance, with significantly different stats when playing with and without Devin Booker. However, his potential to improve with the return of Booker and Bradley Beal makes him an intriguing option for a late-season acquisition, despite his struggles.
Jrue Holiday, a player for the Boston Celtics, has seen a reduction in his offensive output this season, likely due to increased competition from other players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Kristaps Porziņģis. His low shot attempts suggest that his role in the team’s offense has diminished, making him a potential candidate for a trade.
