Jabari Smith Jr. (PF, HOU) - Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 10

BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues

ROSTERED IN: 41% of leagues

ANALYSIS: We're reaching the exact point through Jabari Smith's rookie season at which some haters' heads will start to explode, won't they? Smith took time to adapt to the professional game and the high-paced rhythm of the NBA, but he's slowly but surely getting there if he's not arrived already.

In fact, the only "bad" stretch on Smith's rookie year to date came through his first 10 games when he only scored 214 total FP, averaging around 21 per contest. After that (from Nov. 9 on), he's accrued almost 500 total FP through 18 games, averaging a much more palatable 28 FPPG in that month-and-change span of play.

Most recently, Jabari has leveled up on the glass, pulling down 10+ boards in three of his last six games while averaging 7+ RPG in December alone (eight games played through Saturday).

Jabari started the year with horrid shooting percentages (50-of-160 from the field in his first 15 games) but he's finally brought back his Auburn mojo, going 63-of-137 in his most recent 13 games for a 46 FG% while hitting 2.3+ 3PM per game in that span of games.

In the last 30 days, Jabari has appeared in nine games, and only twice has he shot below 35%. In that same span, he's scored at least one 3-point shot in six games. He's hit 2+ three-point shots in 12 of his last 16 games, too.

Jabari should have a problem finishing the year averaging his current 12+ PPG and 7+ RPG. If his shooting percentages stay where they were expected to be coming out of college and the volume doesn't change a lot, he should also finish the year above 2+ 3PM per contest.

In NBA history, only two other rookies have put up those three figures: Lauri Markkanen and Luka Doncic. Yet, haters were labeling Smith a bust 10 games into the season. Sheesh.

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