It’s no secret that one of the driving forces behind the Celtics’ success this season has been the play of Derrick White. The 28-year-old guard has been the most consistent two-way player for Boston this season, providing invaluable minutes for the team. White has made a big difference on both ends of the floor for the Celtics, as evidenced by his +472 plus-minus, which is a team high and fifth-best in the NBA.
Listen live to WEEI
White has especially made his presence felt on the defensive end of the floor, where he is building a strong case to make an All NBA Defensive Team. With another block in Wednesday’s 97-93 win over the Raptors, White is now up to 76 blocks on the season, which is the most by a guard this season. The next-closest is OKC’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander with 65. White is one of just three Celtics guards to record at least 75 blocks in a season, joining Paul Pierce and Reggie Lewis — who are both three inches taller than White. He has also recorded 53 steals, which is good for fourth on the team.
And while White has really impressed on the defensive end this season, his play on the offensive end is nothing to sneeze at. He made tweaks to his jump shot over the offseason, and the improvement is noticeable. White is shooting a very respectable 46.2% from the field, the highest percentage he has shot since the 2018-2019 season and up over five percent from a season ago. He is also shooting 38.4% from three, which is the highest he’s shot since becoming a starter and up nearly eight percent from last season.
Aside from shooting, White has also posted new career-highs in assists and rebounds. He is currently third on the team in total assists and fifth in rebounds. He’s led the Celtics in scoring four times this season, rebounding three times and assists 15.
Arguably, most impressive for White is his durability. Players have been in and out of the lineup for the Celtics this season, but White has been available every single night, as he is the only Celtics to appear in every game this season.
Earlier this season in the Celtics’ overtime loss to the Bucks, White suffered a ruptured eardrum. Yet, he remained in the game and led the Celtics in both points and assists, finishing with a 27-point, 12-assist double-double — one of White’s six double-doubles this season. He would spend the night after the game in Milwaukee while he was checked out by an ear specialist. Somehow, he flew to Boston the next day and played for the Celtics on the second night of their back-to-back, ruptured eardrum and all.
White’s toughness was on display again Wednesday night, when he suffered an ugly looking rolled ankle, as a result of stepping on Toronto’s Fred VanVleet when driving to the rim. To no surprise, White remained in the game.
White has been the X-Factor for the Celtics this season, and he will play a big role if the Celtics want to complete their mission of raising banner 18.