Derrick White has been one of the league’s most under-appreciated players for years. Since being traded to the Celtics in 2022, White has shined as one of the league’s best role players. White was also extremely productive during his time with the San Antonio Spurs. However, the Celtics give White a chance to show his value while competing for a title. After being left off ESPN’s top 100 player rankings and a hot start to the season, more people are realizing White’s incredible value.
The Incredible Impact of Derrick White
The Value of Derrick White’s Skillset
High-quality role players with particular skill sets are key to any championship level. No Celtics player better fits this description than White. He can impact the game at a high level on both ends, which is incredibly rare for a perimeter role player. Offensively, he is a knock-down shooter who netted 38% of his shots from deep last season. Additionally, White is a smart playmaker and crafty finisher. As a result, he can be used in various ways based on the Celtics’ needs for that particular night.
Despite his impressive offensive skill set, White truly shines on the defensive end. He is one of the league’s best perimeter defenders and can lock down many of the NBA’s elite guards, all while being able to guard several positions. White’s high IQ and ability to make big plays are central to his defensive impact. Last season, he averaged just under a block and a steal per game, further proving his immense value and versatility. As a result, last year White was named to the All-Defensive Second Team. Ultimately, this skill set makes White the perfect complementary player. Furthermore, the perimeter defense upside with White and Jrue Holiday is absurd.
Early Season Review
White’s skill set proved incredibly important for the Celtics, especially during last year’s playoffs. The highlight was a now iconic buzzer-beater tip-in to force a game seven against the Miami Heat. Throughout the playoffs, White’s value constantly exceeded his production. White continues to be extremely valuable through the initial three games this season. White is averaging a high-quality 15 PPG, 4 RPG, and 4 APG this season. These stats are impressive, but they never tell the whole story with White, and he remains integral to the Celtics’ success. White had 12 points, six rebounds, and two assists against the Knicks in the season opener. While these stats don’t stand out, his presence was felt on both ends of the floor, and he helped sway the outcome in Boston’s favor.
On Friday night against the Heat, White’s two-way abilities were on full display. White poured an incredible 28 points, six rebounds, three assists, three blocks, and a steal en route to a 119-111 win. During that game, White was certainly Boston’s most important player. Having a complementary player capable of this type of production is a privilege for Boston. In yesterday’s game against the Wizards, White had a low-scoring yet impactful night. White posted five points, eight assists, two steals and a block. The Celtics won in blowout fashion. This game perfectly outlines White’s ability to take a step back when the stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have big scoring nights.
The Last Word on Derrick White
Ultimately, White is the complete package as a perimeter role player. On many teams, he could be a capable second or third option. However, he sacrifices this to play an integral role on a championship-level team. White’s skill set is perfect next to the Celtics’ star power and is something every contending team could use.
