Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has been excellent since they picked him up from the San Antonio Spurs in February of 2022. He has progressed every year on the team, which is a testament to his work ethic and ability to be a good teammate.
In the first full season with the Celtics, White averaged 12.4 ppg, 3.9 apg, and 3.6 rpg. The following year he increased his output, averaging 15.2 ppg, 5.2 apg, and 4.2 rpg. Most recently, he was able to increase his production even more, averaging 16.4 ppg, 4.8 apg, and 4.5 rpg in the 2024-2025 NBA season. This shows that White has consistently been able to take his game to another level, which is a difficult thing to do in the NBA.
He has found his role on the Celtics and has leaned into it. He understands how he can contribute most effectively, and he always finds a way to help his team win.
White is a consistent player that can be relied on to show up every night. He rarely has an off game, and when he does, he bounces right back the next game. Even when he is having an off game, he finds ways to incorporate his teammates to contribute in some capacity.
White has a unique ability to not get phased by the big moment. His career playoff averages are similar to his regular season averages, indicating that he is able to focus and show up during high-pressure moments. His regular season career averages are 13.0 ppg, 4.2 apg, and 3.7 rpg. Similarly, his playoff career averages are 12.8 ppg, 2.9 apg, and 3.4 rpg. This ability has been useful to the Celtics, who have had playoff success in recent years. Most recently, they won the 2024 NBA Finals over the Dallas Mavericks.
In terms of White’s performance in the Finals last year, he elevated his game to another level. He averaged 13.8 ppg, 2.6 apg, and 4.8 rpg. Once again, White was able to show up when everything was on the line. The Finals last year were a pivotal moment for him. He used that success to propel him into this season, and he never looked back.
The Celtics are currently facing the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Semifinals. While they are down two games to zero, White has shown up big yet again. In Game One, he had 19 points, two assists, and 11 rebounds in their 108-105 overtime loss at home. In Game Two, he had 20 points, five assists, and nine rebounds in their loss at home again.
To some extent, White has been the best player on the Celtics during this series. He will need his teammates to pick up the pace if they want any chance at repeating as NBA Champions this season.
The Celtics may be in trouble right now, but with the help of White and the other experienced players, they can bounce back and win the series. They will still have their eyes set on winning another title this season to repeat as champions.
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