Derrick White (PG, BOS) - Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 17

February 5, 2023

Derrick White is worth considering as a fantasy basketball waiver wire pickup heading into Week 17 of the 2022-23 NBA season.

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 50% of leagues

ANALYSIS: We haven't had an update on Marcus Smart's health/return in a few days going back to January 31 when we heard about him seeing "small improvements." The last IR says he's expected back on February 8, but even if that's the case, it's fair to assume Boston will ease him in a bit with the ASB right around the corner.

The main beneficiary from Smart's absence has been, obviously, Derrick White. Even though the guard had featured prominently before Smart's injury on January 21, he has taken his game places with Smart out of the rotation. In the last six games (all of them without Smart available in any capacity), White has played 32 MPG while averaging 30+ FPPG.

White has started 45 of 53 games he's been part of this season. He's basically been the two-guard of the Celtics all year long, but he's now taking on a heavier playmaking role. That hasn't really changed his game that much, though, as he's averaged virtually the same assists in the last six matchups (3.5 APG) as he did before this span (3.3).

What has changed, though, is his scoring. White has dropped 11+ points in all last six games and 14+ in five straight. He's scored at least two three-point shots in all those six games with a four 3PM explosion against the Knicks on January 26 right after having his best game of the season facing Miami on January 24: 23 points, six dimes, three boards, one steal, and one block.

The window to land White from your league's WW is closing quickly, so take advantage before other GMs catch up with this man's exploits (Smart healthy or not).

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