NBA Waiver Wire: Pickups of the Week

GUARD

Ish Smith, G, DET - Smith, who's provided excellent returns in multiple starting stints, has been increasingly more productive in his bench role. He scored in double figures in three consecutive games, averaging 11.3 points, 4.0 assists, 2.8 rebounds on 67.7 percent shooting over the last four games in 21.0 minutes per. His playing time is secure, and his ability to provide multi-category production makes him one of the more viable guard pickups.

Arron Afflalo, G, SAC - Afflalo averaged 10.6 points, 2.4 assists, 1.9 rebounds and 2.4 made three-pointers in the last seven games. He posted three double-digit scoring efforts over that span, and with Garrett Temple slated to miss 2-3 weeks with a torn hamstring, his usage should see a slight bump. While his overall ceiling is capped, Afflalo brings some serviceable production to the table that should be largely consistent, particularly if he does take on a modestly larger role.

Yogi Ferrell, G, DAL - Ferrell's four-game stint in Dallas has been something to behold, culminating in a 32-point outburst against the Blazers on Friday night. That boosted his averages in that span to 17.8 points, 5.0 assists, 3.0 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 3.3 made three-pointers on 44.4 percent shooting from the field. After signing a two-year deal with the Mavs on Saturday, and with Deron Williams, J.J. Barea and Devin Harris sidelined, Ferrell should see plenty of run.

C.J. Watson, G, ORL - Watson saw some success with the first unit while Evan Fournier was hampered with a foot injury, but is now back on the bench. However, he still totaled 18 points, four assists and three rebounds in 32 minutes against the Raptors on Friday while on the second unit, his third double-digit scoring effort in the last four games. He averaged a solid 12.0 points (on 54.9 percent shooting), 3.1 assists, 2.0 rebounds and 1.4 steals in the last seven games, and while he doesn't provide much meaningful production outside of scoring on a consistent basis, he can certainly serve as a viable option for those looking for an offensive boost.

Jaylen Brown, G, BOS - The rookie has started to hit his stride, averaging 8.1 points and 4.9 rebounds in the last eight games, with 2.3 made three-pointers per contest. That stretch includes two double-digit scoring efforts, and five games in which Brown has played at least 20 minutes. At 19, and with Avery Bradley conceivably set to return relatively soon from his Achilles' tendon injury, Brown's production is likely to fluctuate. However, his role appears secure for the moment, making him an option for those needing some multi-category help at guard, as well as for those playing in dynasty formats.

FORWARD

Khris Middleton, F, MIL - Middleton announced Friday that he is targeting a Wednesday return from his October hamstring tear. While his minutes will have to build progressively, Middleton is expected to eventually claim the starting small forward role from Tony Snell, who's averaged a modest 8.0 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.2 assists as a stop-gap measure this season. Meanwhile, Middleton is coming off a career season in 2015-16 that saw him average 18.2 points, 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals, providing a glimpse of his potential.

Okaro White, F, MIA - White parlayed his opportunity with the Heat into some solid production relative to playing time, as he averaged 4.6 points and 2.7 rebounds in 16.3 minutes per game in the last seven games. Minutes are the biggest concern with respect to White's prospects, as he's third on the depth chart at power forward behind Luke Babbitt and James Johnson. However, he remains a prospect to at least monitor closely, as Babbitt's numbers (4.6 points, 2.2 rebounds) are actually less than White's.

James McAdoo, F, GSW - McAdoo has seen more opportunities with David West (thumb) sidelined, posting two double-digit scoring efforts in two of the last four games. He averaged 6.5 points (on 66.7 percent shooting), 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 16.3 minutes per game over that stretch, and his strong play could keep his playing time secure even when West returns.

Matt Barnes, F, SAC - Barnes is slated for more playing time with Garrett Temple out 2-3 weeks minimum with a hamstring injury, and his 39-minute stint against the Suns on Friday resulted in six points, 10 rebounds, four assists and one block — not exactly the most efficient line scoring-wise, but solid in other areas. The offensive slump is likely temporary, as Barnes has proven capable of generating better results in that category over his long career. With the Kings in need of offense from wherever they can find it, he should see plenty of minutes during Temple's absence.

Keep An Eye On:

Thon Maker, F, MIL - Maker is another young prospect likely still available in all but the deepest formats. He admittedly makes for a highly speculative pickup due to the Bucks' recent acquisition of both Roy Hibbert and Spencer Hawes, but Maker's ability to play power forward in addition to center could continue affording him a spot in coach Jason Kidd's rotation. He's provided encouraging results the last four games, averaging 7.5 points, 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 blocks in 11.5 minutes per game. His playing time has been inconsistent, even over that modest stretch, as he's seen eight and four minutes, respectively, in two of those games. However, Maker still managed to produce totals of eight and six points in those contests, a testament to his efficiency. Those in dynasty leagues might particularly find it prudent to jump on Maker.

CENTER

Willie Cauley-Stein, C, SAC - The 2015 first-round pick posted double-digit scoring efforts in four of the last seven games and has been particularly effective over the last week, averaging 11.0 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.0 blocks in 18.0 minutes per game during the four contests in that span. The big man does come with a "Buyer Beware" caveat, given that his playing time and production have both been considerably inconsistent. However, the recent uptick he's seen in both have coincided with Rudy Gay's season-ending Achilles' tendon injury, as the trickle-down effect of the absence of the team's second-most potent offensive weapon appears to have resulted in more usage for Cauley-Stein.

JaVale McGee, C, GSW - McGee is running with the first unit with Zaza Pachulia sidelined due to a rotator cuff injury, and he's produced 20 points in 32 minutes over his two starts. While his minutes have seen just a modest bump from those he sees in his usual role on the second unit, McGee may be worth the pickup anyhow, considering he's proven capable of churning out solid production relative to playing time. He's averaging 8.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in his last seven games, and his role as Pachulia's primary backup is secure. While anyone on the Warriors not named Curry, Durant or Thompson is going to see his ceiling capped to some degree, McGee makes for an option for those in deep formats looking for scoring and rebounding help.

Keep An Eye On:

Salah Mejri, C, DAL - Mejri opened plenty of eyes with a 16-point, 17-rebound double-double on Wednesday versus the Sixers while filling in for Andrew Bogut (hamstring). The 7-footer's production has been very modest otherwise, however, placing him firmly into a "wait-and-see" category, even in deep formats. As an example, Mejri had gone scoreless across a combined 10 minutes in the two games prior to his breakout and has received single-digit minutes in five of his last 15 games overall. With the 32-year-old Bogut slated to miss at least one more game minimum, the coming week should prove to be a solid litmus test with respect to Mejri's longer-term viability.