Welcome Razzball readers to your weekly dose of player profiling that highlights opportunities to take advantage of a player performing below reasonable expectations. Now, let me again be crystal clear, playing poorly is not enough to land you a spot in this post. If that were the case, I would be suffering from a severe case of carpal tunnel syndrome, as there is no shortage of bad players throughout an NBA season. I mean, even the worst NBA player would average a triple-double at your local YMCA but I am not here to compare any professional baller to Carl who plays every other Tuesday. I digress.
In order to make my weekly list there must be a path to value based on a history of said player having shown sustainable value in the past. This week we take a 30-hour drive to find a player who is wearing a new uniform since the trade deadline and might just be ready to show his new city what he is fully capable of.
Derrick White
Since being traded to Boston from San Antonio, it has been a bit rough for the defensive minded guard. Over the past two weeks, White has been the 141st ranked player, more than double his season rank of 65. While it may be difficult to maintain a rank in the 60’s with fewer shot attempts per game (8.2 down from 11.4) as well as fewer play making opportunities ( 2.8 down from 5.3), what has remained intact are the defensive numbers, as he has averaged one steal and 1.4 blocks over the past two weeks.
When a player changes teams there can be an adjustment period acclimating to a new offence, finding a role, breeding familiarity with teammates, and finding a favourite lobster roll spot.
Boston needs Derrick White to be Derrick White and that is someone who defends and scores while being another playmaker on the floor. Add to this the fact that Jaylen Brown just went down with an ankle injury and could miss some time, which will allow increased usage and opportunity for White to get his groove back.
Fire out some offers to his current manager in your league who may be looking at the minutes he is playing being in the low 20’s since arriving to Boston and believing that the minutes will not increase moving forward. If you have a top 100 player to offer or combination of players, I think we are at a point where it is worth the risk.
Work fast, before your deadline passes if it has not already and/ or before White goes on a run.
Hit me up in the comments section below with your questions and comments and as always, good luck.
Peace.
