Derrick White has quietly become one of the Boston Celtics’ most indispensable players, blending sharpshooting prowess with lockdown defense. Since joining the Celtics from the San Antonio Spurs, White’s game has evolved dramatically, particularly his perimeter shooting. During his four and a half seasons with the Spurs, he converted 34% of his three-point attempts. In Boston, that number has soared to an impressive 38.7%, cementing his role as a trusted offensive weapon in Joe Mazzulla’s system.
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On a recent episode of his White Noise podcast, White shared a moment that underscores just how far his shooting has come—a moment that even caught the attention of the NBA’s greatest shooter, Stephen Curry. Recalling a conversation with the Golden State Warriors superstar, White said, “Steph came up to me and was like, ‘What have you been doing? This is unbelievable! I respect your work.’ I’m like, ‘Let me shoot some more; I gotta jack some more shots.’ 16 threes next game! Steph says I’m doing something right; I must be doing something right.”
The praise from Curry, a player White often guards in high-stakes matchups, is no small feat. It’s a testament to White’s tireless work ethic and his transformation into a high-volume, high-efficiency shooter. Last season, White averaged 9.1 three-point attempts per game, knocking them down at a 38.4% clip. Remarkably, he achieved this while earning top-10 consideration for Defensive Player of the Year, showcasing his rare two-way brilliance.
White’s connection to Boston runs deeper than the court. On his podcast, he opened up about why re-signing with the Celtics on a four-year, $118 million extension was an easy decision. “The third extension was much, much more relaxed,” White explained. “Not down to the wire. I didn’t want to play nowhere else. Like, I wanted to be in Boston. I’ve always said that. It was pretty simple. Pretty straightforward.”
For White, Boston is more than just a team—it’s a home. “My kids were born in Boston, I kind of developed as a player in Boston, and that’s really what it was about,” he said. “What’s going to make me happy? And I knew that was going to be in Boston. I love it in Boston.” His journey with the Celtics, capped by an NBA championship, has made him a fan favorite, and his commitment to the franchise signals more memorable moments to come.
With Jayson Tatum expected to miss significant time in the upcoming season, White’s role is set to expand. The departure of Jrue Holiday further amplifies the importance of White’s defensive tenacity, while his offensive contributions will likely make him the team’s second scoring option. Known for his smart decision-making and team-first mentality, White is poised to handle the increased responsibility with poise.
White’s ability to scale his production without sacrificing efficiency or defensive intensity makes him a cornerstone of Boston’s title defense. His shooting, once a work in progress, is now a weapon opponents must respect. But it’s his all-around game—pairing clutch shot-making with elite defense—that could propel him to the most productive season of his career.
As White prepares for a bigger spotlight, the ultimate compliment from Stephen Curry serves as a reminder of his growth. When the best shooter in the world takes notice, you know you’re doing something right. For Derrick White and the Celtics, the upcoming season is a chance to prove that his game—and his impact—can reach even greater heights.