When Anaheim center Ryan Getzlaf went scoreless for the first three games of 2010-11 a lot of fantasy players panicked. (He was a combined minus-5 to boot.)
After his lacklustre start Getzlaf proceeded to go on a tear- scoring eight points in the next three games. He scored 13 points in the seven games after being held scoreless.
Fantasy players bailed or tried to bail on Getzlaf and he was a prime candidate for trade in fantasy leagues after his three-game drought to open the season.
Those who studied Getzlaf's past performances would not have been so quick to push the panic button.
First of all, Getzlaf has overaged over a point-a-game for the last three seasons. The opening three games of this year does not a season make.
Additionally, the first quarter of the season has been Getzlaf's best quarter for the last two seasons. He averaged 1.25 PPG (points-per-game) in the first quarter of 2009-10 and 1.26 PPG in the first quarter of 2008-09.
While his three game scoreless start at the beginning of this season may have been worrisome to a lot of fantasy players it would not warrant bailing on Mr. Getzlaf. Those who traded him probably got a player who was "hot" at the time but would probably cool off later. As mentioned above, Getzlaf went on a tear after his three game drought. Chances are that any player obtained for him in trade would be less productive over the next 79 games.
So, before you press the panic button, take a look at the past history of a player. Is it really worth trading a player with a history of points production so early in the season? Be sure to consider just what the player you are trading for might produce for you.
And please- wait for more than three games into the season!
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