Since being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2022, Derrick White has been a vital part of the team’s success. His all-around skill set as a three-point shooter, elite defender, and secondary playmaker has been infinitely valuable. Last season, White had a career year averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds on 39.6 percent shooting from three. With early season injuries to Kristaps Porzingis and Jaylen Brown, White’s game is reaching new heights, and he is having another career season. Let’s dive into White’s incredible start of the season.
Derrick White is Elevating His Play Once Again
An All-Around Offensive Threat
Nine games into the season, White is averaging 19.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. His 19.8 points per game is a career-high by 4.4 points. It’s rare to see a 30-year-old having a career season like this. Perhaps the most obvious piece of White’s impact has been his elite shooting. Since joining the Celtics, White has transformed from a slightly above-average shooter to an elite three-point threat. This season, White has reached a new level as a shooter, averaging a career-high 9.6 three-point attempts while shooting a highly efficient 41.9 percent from beyond the arc. Notably, White’s 9.6 three-point attempts per game rank seventh in the league and he ranks fifth for total made threes.
It’s extremely impressive that White has improved his efficiency while increasing his volume. White’s ability as a spot-up shooter is central to the Celtics’ offensive identity and success. He gives the Celtics a dependable option on drive-and-kick plays from both Jayson Tatum and Brown. Impressively, White is shooting 49.1 percent on catch-and-shoot threes.
White’s playmaking has also been a crucial part of his impact. He is averaging four assists compared to just 1.2 turnovers and is posting an assist percentage of 18. Having a high-IQ playmaker and efficient decision-maker helps the Celtics offense flow, giving them an extra sense of stability. The advanced stats back up White’s impact: with him on the court, the Celtics have an absurd 125.5 offensive rating and net rating of 17; he has an offensive net difference of +19.8 while having an overall net difference of +18. White also ranks in the 96th percentile for estimated offensive plus/minus and the 87th percentile of overall EPM.
Most players don’t get more efficient with more volume
Derrick White
2024-2025
9.6 3PA – 7th
41.9%2023-2024
6.8 3PA – 35th
39.6%— Brian Barrett (@itsbrianbarrett) November 8, 2024
White’s Two-Way Impact
In addition to his offensive contributions, White’s elite defense has been highly valuable. White is averaging 1.1 steals and a block per game. He plays a vital role as both an on-ball perimeter stopper and versatile roamer. White’s defensive skill set is unique and essential to Boston’s success. He currently is posting a defensive field goal percentage of 45.7 and ranks in the 95th percentile for estimated defensive plus/minus. White and Jrue Holiday form the league’s best defensive backcourt, perhaps the best of all time. This duo has an unprecedented combination of lockdown perimeter defense and versatility. In both of his full seasons with the Celtics, White has made an all-defensive team; it is safe to say this trend will continue.
Does White Have an Early All-Star Case?
White’s play has been especially important and impressive considering the Celtics injuries to Porzingis and Brown. Porzingis has missed the entire season so far but is expected to return in December, while Brown has missed the last three games with a hip flexor injury. Without these two key players, White has stepped up and given the Celtics incredible production as the second option. Since Brown has gone down with injury, White is averaging 21.7 points. With Brown set to miss his fourth straight game and possibly being out for longer than expected, White’s play will only be more important for the Celtics.
White is posting a 21.2 usage rate, which is a near career-high and an uptick from last year’s 18.6 usage rate. Additionally, White’s touches per game have increased from 62 last year to 70.2 this year. Ultimately, White is proving he is capable of being more than just an elite role player and is providing the Celtics with legitimate second-option-level production. While it’s far too early in the season for All-Star discussion, if White’s strong start continues, he’ll have a rock-solid All-Star case, especially considering the Celtics’ success.
