Guys who aren't fantasy stars went off, while several of the league's young studs continue to disappoint their owners. Players who should not be cut are being dropped left and right, as the NBA's version of the Good, the Bad and the Ugly rang true.

The Good: Tyronn Lue, Josh Childress, Matt Harpring, Paul Millsap, Monta Ellis, Luol Deng, Mike Dunleavy, Erick Dampier, Sean May, Emeka Okafor, Peja Stojakovic, Michael Redd, Dwyane Wade, Kevin Garnett, Andre Miller, Chris Bosh, Mehmet Okur (and others). The Bad: It was either good or ugly on this night, so I'm skipping "Bad." The Ugly: Josh Smith, Raymond Felton, Brevin Knight, Gerald Wallace, Chris Paul, Tyson Chandler, Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Kaman, Troy Murphy, Charlie Villanueva, Jamaal Magloire (and others).

I'll likely touch on each of those players below, but look at that "Good" list and see how many of those guys weren't even drafted in fantasy leagues. The e-mails coming in right now (and the thoughts running through my own head, as an owner of Smith, Wallace and Felton) ring of desperation, anxiety, paranoia and fear. Just take a deep breath and realize we're not even three weeks in yet.

But am I concerned about Smith, Wallace, Felton and Kaman? Oh yeah. Josh Smith struggled with his shot on Tuesday, hitting just 1-of-12 shots.

He did salvage a fantasy line with five boards, two assists, three steals, three blocks and a three, but your FG percentage dropped if he was in your lineup. I watched most of the game, and it seems to me he's just lingering around the three-point line most of the time, which is not a good sign. Tyronn Lue and Josh Childress looked like All-Stars, scoring 29 and 21 points respectively, while shooting a combined 19-of-30 from the field.

They're both going to be very inconsistent going forward, but are playing well enough to play for your fantasy team if you're desperate. Emeka Okafor looks incredible right now, and I'm starting to realize I may have been wrong about the big fella. If he stays healthy all year, look out.

He had 25 points, 16 boards and seven blocks on 11-of-14 shooting, while teammates Brevin Knight (four points, three assists) and Raymond Felton (seven points, four boards, five assists, 3-of-8) were just not good. Adam Morrison had a nice game after Gerald Wallace went down with a cut above his eye that required five stitches, and had 21 points and seven boards. Of course, he allowed Peja Stojakovic to do whatever he wanted all night, but that doesn't matter in fantasy.

And Sean May had 18 points, 11 boards and a couple blocks as well. Wallace left just one minute into the game and didn't return until the middle of the second quarter. He looked "fantastic" in his return, though, with one point, one board, two assists, zero steals and zero blocks on 0-of-5 shooting.

Things were looking up after he said he was 100 percent healthy Tuesday, but he was clearly out of synch and has his owners standing on ledges of high buildings. This is a very frustrating game, and I am at a loss on what to think about Wallace. Of course, it would be easier to be mad at him if he didn''t get hurt.

And as for Felton, I think it's too early to give up on him, but I know people are cutting him, or at least thinking seriously about doing so. I got an e-mail from Matt a few days ago asking about trading Wallace to get Okafor. At the time I wasn't sure it was a good idea, but in hindsight it was obviously a great idea.

You can't win them all and there's still a long way to go. All I know is that these Bobcats and Hawks are two of the most frustrating fantasy teams around, unless you happen to own just Joe Johnson and Okafor. And if you do, you probably have no idea what frustration is at this point.

And I'd be happy to tell you guys what to do with Wallace, Felton and Smith right now, but the truth is, I'm not really sure. Please don't send me e-mails asking if you should cut any of them, because I will just say no. At least for a few more weeks.

Ben Gordon came off the bench and had 17 points, but hit just 6-of-18 shots to do it. No word on how long he'll be on the bench, but it sounds to me like Scott Skiles is convinced he's a better player in that role, and he might be right. But Skiles also has hinted the move isn't permanent, so let's see what happens.

Andres Nocioni also moved into the starting lineup, and he should be starting for fantasy teams as long as he's starting for Skiles. Luol Deng was huge, going for 24 points, 10 boards, four assists and a block on 10-of-13 shooting. Keep him active, obviously, as he's their best offensive weapon with Gordon incognito.

Erick Dampier rose up and posted 14 points, 13 rebounds and three blocks on 7-of-8 shooting. Man, there's no reason he can't do this every night, other than the fact he's Erick Dampier. If you need a center and he's available, pick him up immediately, but be prepared for the roller coaster ride.

Nene has missed two straight games caring for his surgically repaired knee. He may play Wednesday night, but he'll be a game-time decision. Andre Miller looked all-world Tuesday, going for 29 points, eight boards, 10 assists, three steals and two threes on 9-of-15 shooting.

What a fantastic feeling to know he was resting comfortably on the fantasy bench for three of my teams, while Smith, Felton and Wallace were throwing up rotten eggs in his place. Richard Hamilton is expected to play Wednesday night for the Pistons, despite his hyperextended elbow. If Nazr Mohammed can't post a nice line against the center-less Hornets, it's time to give up on him.

Monta Ellis and Mike Dunleavy looked great Tuesday night, making me think that maybe Dunleavy has figured out how to play off the bench. Then again, maybe he played well because Troy Murphy was a late scratch with an Achilles' injury. Murphy's injury doesn't sound serious, but Ike Diogu said he'll miss at least another week with his sprained ankle.

Ellis looks like the real deal and had 14 points and seven assists in another start at point guard. I picked him up in a few leagues, and I think you should do the same if you have someone to cut. Baron Davis played great again, but also played 44 minutes and hit just 8-of-24 shots.

The high minutes make me very nervous, and if you thought he was going to shoot 50 percent all year, well, think again. He is such a sell-high guy right now it's not even funny. Open up Dr.

A's dictionary, look up "sell high," and you'll see a picture of Baron lying on the trainer's table having his legs worked on. And Andris Biedrins, after getting off to a terrible start inthe game, bounced back for 14 points, 12 boards and two blocks. Again, he was allowed more freedom without Murphy around, and seeing how fun this team was to watch without Murphy around makes it clear why the Warriors tried to trade him all summer.

Mickael Pietrus also played well and is worthy of consideration for fantasy use right now. Maybe Nellie will see how much better his team looks without Murphy clogging up the middle and have him come off the bench. Chris Kaman has not been himself this season, with his numbers down across the board.

(Andrew D. Bernstein / Getty Images) Chris Kaman is being cut in fantasy leagues. How is that possible?

Well how about the fact he''s terrible, and beat writers are figuring out new ways to humiliate him? "Mehmet Okur made Chris Kaman look like Chris Farley with a 27-point symphony," the Salt Lake Tribune's Phil Miller wrote this morning. I've heard the comparisons to Tom Petty, Napolean Dynamite, Ringo Starr's Caveman character and Shaggy, but this is a new one.

Unfortunately for Kaman owners, Farley actually looked more nimble in the famous Chippendale's skit with Patrick Swayze on SNL than Kaman has looked this year, so maybe it was meant to be a compliment. And Kaman is now complaining about not getting consistent minutes and appears to have lost all confidence. Look, if you need to cut him, do it.

Just beware that he'll be picked up immediately and can't be this bad all year. Lord, it seems like I write this every single day. Maybe he is just not very good and doesn't fit into the Clips' plans anymore.

Good thing they signed him to that whopper contract a few weeks ago. Heck, Mike Dunleavy was even talking about leaving the team if they didn't re-sign the guy some people call "The Big Silly." He's more like "The Big Stiff" these days, as there's nothing remotely funny about his performance, other than to compare him to a 350-pound, giant funnyman.

Come on, Kaman. Seriously. Oh, and in case you're wondering about his line Tuesday, it was three points and three boards on 1-of-2 shooting.

Well done, Shaggy, well done. Kwame Brown says his shoulder will bother him all year and Chris Mihm is done. Hang onto the golden child (Andrew Bynum) as long as you can.

Just stash him on your bench until you need him. As you know by now, Damon Stoudamire has lost his job to Chucky Atkins. But honestly, neither guy is probably the answer for your fantasy team.

If you really need a point guard, Atkins is the way to go for now. Stoudamire says he's going to win his job back, so we'll have to wait and see. And continue to monitor Stromile Swift, as he's starting to play better and is the team's No.

1 center for now. Shaquille O'Neal was out Tuesday night with a hyperextended right knee, as the frustration just continues for his owners. He may not be reliable until the playoffs roll around.

And check out Dorell Wright's numbers. He had four more blocks Tuesday and is averaging six points, three boards, two dimes and a block per game this year. He's very inconsistent and has disappeared a few times this year, but put him on your watch list.

Jason Williams (knee) probably won't play this week after all, but I expect to see him in uniform next week. Dwyane Wade was huge, with 37 points, eight boards, 11 assists, two steals and three three-pointers. The longer Shaq's out, the better Wade looks.

Charlie Villanueva added to the ugliness Tuesday night when he left the game with an elbow injury. He's doubtful for his next game, which means the Michael Redd train should continue to roll. "Redd Rain" had 30 points again and looks like the real deal.

And don't send me e-mails asking if you should drop Mo Williams, who had 15 points, six assists, four boards and a three. The answer is "No." Kevin Garnett went off Tuesday night to the tune of 20 points, 13 boards, seven assists, three steals and five blocks.

He hit just 6-of-15 shots, but who's counting? And Ricky Davis finally played well, draining 11-of-18 shots for 27 points, four boards, four assists, a steal and a block. He should not be on waivers in most leagues, but from the e-mails I'm getting, that's where he's sitting in some places.

Chris Paul may have a groin injury, according to teammate Bobby Jackson, and had just two points Tuesday. He also had 10 assists, and I think he's fine. Tyson Chandler didn't travel with the team to Detroit and is probably out Wednesday with a concussion and lost a tooth thanks to a Sean May elbow.

I have no idea who's going to play center for the Hornets with Marc Jackson (leg) still out, but Brandon Bass and Cedric Simmons are going to see a lot of minutes. Jackson could return Wednesday and will have value if Chandler's going to miss much time. Peja Stojakovic had a career-high 42 points against Adam Morrison and may keep this going.

And there's news out of New Orleans this morning that David West's elbow injury is serious and he may miss more than two games. Not good news. Jared Jeffries (wrist) sounds like he's about three weeks from returning, but he should come off the bench behind Quentin Richardson when he returns.

Then again, he was their top summer addition, so Isiah may feel like he has to play him. Just keep him on your watch list. Stephon Marbury has another opportunity to stink against the Wizards, and if he doesn't get it going soon, I may have to cut him on principal alone.

Nah, I won't be cutting him, but I'd probably feel better about myself if I sent him packing. Look for a Trevor Ariza sighting Wednesday, as he'll probably get a lot of run in an effort to slow down Carmelo Anthony, who will eat Hedo Turkoglu alive. Also look for a huge game from Dwight Howard, who apparently only plays well against good centers (Marcus Camby) right now.

Raja Bell (ribs) is expected back Friday and is slated to replace Leandro Barbosa in the starting lineup. Barbosa is going to present a tough decision for his owners next week when the Suns play four games. Boris Diaw will likely continue to start, with Kurt Thomas coming off the bench, so maybe he'll get it going.

Steve Nash "got through" practice Tuesday with injuries to his back and hip, but says he's concerned about them. Just keep playing him as long as there's a chance he'll go. LaMarcus Aldridge has finally gotten himself into the lineup and may be starting soon enough.

(Sam Forencich / Getty Images) Keep LaMarcus Aldridge on your watch list and consider picking him up if you need a warm body in place of Kaman or Jamaal Magloire, who was stunning again with his two points and two boards on Tuesday. He may be in Nate McMillan's doghouse, as his minutes and production have been inexplicably falling. If Aldridge starts over Magloire (and he might), pick him up early.

Mike Bibby continues to play through a sore wrist and thumb, and John Salmons is likely out with a right thigh contusion, which just means more opportunities for a red-hot Kevin Martin. Bruce Bowen will not be suspended for his ankle-spraining tactics, but has been told to allow shooters room to land without coming down on his feet. Sounds reasonable to me.

Morris Peterson has been demoted, replaced in the starting lineup by Fred Jones. Keep your eye on Freddy and feel free to cut Peterson, who will probably struggle off the bench. Anthony Parker and Jones look like better fantasy plays going forward.

Chris Bosh had 22 points, 23 boards and two steals Tuesday, and as long as his heel allows him to play, it looks like he's determined to challenge for the league lead in rebounds. His nice shooting percentages are fun to own as well. Paul Millsap had four blocks, four steals and six rebounds in just 20 minutes on Tuesday night.

With Andrei Kirilenko out, he could be a nice pickup right now. Ronnie Brewer got a start in place of AK47 and had 12 points and two blocks, but let's see more before picking him up. Mehmet Okur, as documented earlier, abused Kaman with 27 points, six boards, three assists, a block and a three on 11-of-15 shooting, while Matt Harpring had 22 points, five boards and two threes off the bench.

I picked Harpring up in a couple leagues and started him, as you could see this coming with Kirilenko down. There you have it. Hopefully your guys play better, but the good news is the Hawks and Clippers are off.

Charlotte and the Knicks, however, do play. Hopefully, there is more pleasant news to report on Marbury, Felton, Wallace and Knight. And I am also hoping Okafor slows down a little, as he's killing me in two H2H leagues this week.

Steve "Dr. A" Alexander is the senior editor for the NBA and PGA Tour for Rotoworld.com and Fantasy Sports Monthly magazine.

The 2006-07 NBA season marks his fifth year of covering hoops for Rotoworld.com.