Five Most Dropped Players: December 23-29

1. Kyle Lowry (10.8 points, 1.2 three-pointers, 7.2 assists, 2 steals): Although he's still starting, fantasy owners prematurely started dumping Lowry in droves once Aaron Brooks came back. Lowry's still playing over 30 minutes a game and remains a great contributor to any fantasy squad. Although Brooks should regain his starting spot in the near future, Lowry has played so well in Aaron's absence that we would hold onto him for a few games even when he's back on the bench to see what type of minutes and production we can get out of him. Even in a reserve role, his all-around contributions could still make Kyle a valuable fantasy asset. He's now available in about one-third of leagues.
2. Reggie Williams (11.2 points, 1.5 three-pointers): Williams is another player team managers cut loose when the player he replaced in the starting line up returned to action. Unlike Brooks, though, Stephen Curry's ankle sprain wasn't as serious and he was able to step right back into the starting line upon his return. Williams should be dropped in all standard formats because he simply doesn't get enough playing time with a healthy Curry and Monta Ellis. If either of them should get injured, though, be ready to pounce on Williams once again as he put up some big numbers while Curry was out.
3. Nate Robinson (8.3 points, 1.3 three-pointers, 80.8% FT%): We're not sure why so many have sent Robinson to the waiver wire. He's starting and playing heavy minutes in place of the injured Rajon Rondo. Nate's production hasn't been spectacular, but he's still doing enough to help your fantasy team. His value won't last long, though, as Rondo is expected to return soon. He's available in about 85% of leagues.
4. Spencer Hawes (7 points, 5.5 rebounds): Hawes was a hot pick up during a stretch where he had three double-doubles in a six-game period. Since then, Spencer's cooled off significantly and his playing time has dropped. Hawes can have a big night now and again, but he's just too inconsistent to rely on in standard formats. He's strictly an option in deeper leagues.
5. Taj Gibson (8.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.5 blocks): While we expected Gibson to benefit greatly from Joakim Noah's injury, a concussion caused him to miss a game and his playing time has been limited since. Instead, it's been veteran Kurt Thomas getting the bulk of Noah's minutes and he's the better fantasy player at this time. Gibson is still someone to keep on your radar, though. If he can start playing close to 30 minutes a night, he can give fantasy owners great production in rebounds and blocks.