When the Celtics acquired Jrue Holiday on the eve of training camp, pairing him with Derrick White, it gave them one of the best backcourts in the league.
The pairing of the two all-defensive guards, a duo dubbed “The Stock Exchange” by White’s father Richard, has shown why they are the league's best backcourt duo with some very encouraging early results, especially on the defensive end.
Through the first four games, Holiday (7) and White (5) have combined for 12 of Boston’s 25 blocks (48%). Holiday’s seven blocks are the most among guards, while White’s five are tied for the third most. To go along with his five blocks, White has also racked up five steals.
Following Boston’s win over the Miami Heat in the home opener, a game in which the duo combined for four blocks, including a massive rejection by White on Jimmy Butler late in the fourth quarter, Whited noted that he and Holiday have a friendly competition over who will have the most blocks this season.
According to Cleaning The Glass, with Holiday and White on the floor, the Celtics have posted a ridiculous 98.5 defensive rating (points allowed per 100 possessions), with a +28.7 efficiency differential (points scored per possession and subtracted by points allowed per possession).
Both guards are top-10 in plus-minus, with White posting a +72 and Holiday posting a +55. Since arriving in Boston in February of 2022, White has posted an absurd +730 as a Celtic.
White and Holiday provide tremendous versatility on the defensive end, with Holiday’s ability to guard one through five and White’s elite (yes, elite) rim protection.
While the focus of “The Stock Exchange” has been on defense, their work on the offensive end has been just as impressive, showing they can make an impact there as well.
Through the first four games, White is averaging 15.8 points per game on 64.7% shooting from the field and 57.9% from three, using a balanced offensive attack. The 6-foot-4 guard has also added 4.3 assists and 4.0 rebounds a game.
No matter what list he may be left off, White is an elite two-way player (definitely top 100) and plays an immeasurable role in Boston’s success.
As for Holiday, he’s beginning to find his groove in the Celtics offense, averaging 13.0 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists. The 33-year-old is shooting 53.8% from the field and 37.5% from deep, as he has also used a balanced attack, finding different ways to score. The 6-foot-4 guard has taken 22% of his shots at the rim, 40% from midrange, and 38% from three, even mixing in some post ups.
What makes this duo so special is their ability to do the little things and make those hustle plays. Joe Mazzulla has constantly preached the idea of playing with the right mindset – playing tough, physical, and with intensity. Traits both White and Holiday embody in their game.
We’re only four games in, but the backcourt pairing of White and Holiday has lived up to the hype so far and appears to be a winning recipe for the C’s.
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