Jerome, Schroder, Smith rise; Green, Turner, Okongwu fall in early NBA fantasy rankings

Ty Jerome of the Memphis Grizzlies has become the most valuable asset in fantasy basketball after two high-scoring performances in the first week of the 2026 season. The guard finished with 45 points against the Utah Jazz on opening night and followed that with 28 points and five assists against the Golden State Warriors. Although Jerome is rostered in 89.7% of ESPN leagues, analysts suggest his current market value may be at a peak. The Grizzlies have structured their offense to facilitate his scoring, but experts caution that sustaining this shooting pace over a full season is difficult. Managers holding Jerome are advised to explore trade options involving struggling veterans such as Trey Murphy III or Brandon Miller.

On the waiver wire, Dennis Schroder of the Charlotte Hornets has emerged as a reliable option. The point guard, who is rostered in only 9.7% of leagues, posted 25 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three three-pointers in a Saturday game against the Miami Heat. Schroder has recorded two strong performances and one poor outing so far. His production is bolstered by the calf strain of Coby White, who is expected to return to the lineup. Schroder offers volume in assists and points but is less consistent in steals, three-pointers, and blocks. Managers should monitor White’s recovery status closely, as Schroder’s role may diminish once the injury clears.

Jalen Smith of the Chicago Bulls is another player gaining traction, with 22.8% of fantasy owners holding his spot. The forward has averaged 14.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in his first three games, while also recording 1.5 steals per game. Smith has hit four three-pointers in his last two contests. The Bulls currently lack depth at the center position, with Zach Collins and Tobe Awaka seeing minimal playing time. Smith appears poised to secure a stable role of approximately 25 minutes per game, provided he remains healthy. However, the return of Nic Claxton from a hamstring injury could alter Smith’s status later in the season.

Conversely, Myles Turner of the Milwaukee Bucks has seen his value drop after scoring zero points in a Saturday loss to the Philadelphia 76ers. Turner has averaged 7.7 points and 4.3 rebounds over three games. While he has blocked six shots and made four three-pointers, his shooting percentage has been low. The Bucks have shown a willingness to play Kel'el Ware, who recorded 19 points and 13 rebounds in 29 minutes on Saturday. Turner played only 20 minutes in that game due to foul trouble. Although he retains his starting job, Turner is viewed as a candidate for a lowball trade if the coaching staff continues to favor Ware.

Onyeka Okongwu of the Atlanta Hawks has struggled to find a rhythm, with 80% of fantasy owners still holding him. The center has not scored more than 10 points or recorded more than six rebounds in any of his first three games. His first block and steal of the season did not arrive until Saturday. The Hawks have found offensive success through Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, CJ McCollum, and Aaron Wiggins. The emergence of Wiggins has added another offensive threat, potentially limiting Okongwu’s scoring opportunities while the team remains healthy. Okongwu is considered a trade candidate for his three-point ability, though his offensive role may remain limited.

Draymond Green of the Golden State Warriors has fallen to the bottom of the rankings, with 26.7% of owners rostering him. The 36-year-old forward has recorded just seven total points, two blocks, one steal, and one three-pointer in two games. He sat out the second game of a back-to-back set on Saturday. The Warriors are currently struggling competitively, and both Green and Stephen Curry are receiving rest nights. Analysts suggest that Green’s production no longer justifies a roster spot in most leagues. Owners are advised to drop Green in favor of Jalen Smith, Yaxel Lendeborg, or Wendell Carter Jr.

The current landscape of fantasy basketball is defined by these early divergences in player performance. The risers are capitalizing on specific team needs and injuries, while the fallers are dealing with competition for minutes and aging effects. The next few weeks will determine if these trends hold or if the players return to their baseline production levels.