Derrick White has endured a difficult season. His shooting numbers are down across the board, and he’s found himself earning criticism from the fanbase to start the postseason. However, when you look at the roles that he’s been asked to play this year, those struggles become a little less alarming.
For the majority of the season, White was Boston’s de facto ball-handler, leading the team in touches and dribbles per game. He went from being a scoring threat off the catch to initiating the offense and reshaping how and where he was going to get his shots. It was a bumpy ride, but for stretches, White appeared to figure things out.
A Season of Role Changes
With Jayson Tatum sidelined for much of the season due to his Achilles recovery, White was thrust into a primary playmaking role. He was asked to run pick-and-roll, create off the dribble, and make decisions with the ball in his hands.
That is not his natural role. White is a connector, not a creator. He is best when he is catching and shooting, or making quick decisions off a drive.
But he did not complain. He did not make excuses. He did his job.
And for stretches, he was excellent.
The Return of Tatum: A Return to Familiar Territory
However, with the return of Jayson Tatum, White has been moved back into a more off-ball role, with his offense once again built around making decisions off the catch.
Of course, there’s an adjustment that comes with that role change, even if he’s stepping back into more familiar territory. Nevertheless, White’s value has been apparent all season. He’s still defended at a high level, and has performed admirably, regardless of what’s been asked of him on the court.
The Defensive Anchor
White’s offense has been inconsistent. His three-point percentage has dropped from 38.1% in 2022-23 to 32.7% this season. His overall field goal percentage is down. He has had games where he cannot buy a bucket.
But his defense has never wavered.
White is one of the best shot-blocking guards in the league. He has elite instincts in passing lanes. He stays in front of his man. He communicates. He rotates.
He is the kind of defender who makes everyone around him better.
The “Hoops Ledger” Breakdown: The Exact Player Boston Needed
With that in mind, the “Hoops Ledger” YouTube channel recently put out a breakdown of why White has become so important to the Celtics roster and how the team has leaned on him for stretches of the season. The video even goes as far as calling him the “exact player Boston needed.”
The breakdown highlights White’s versatility, his basketball IQ, and his willingness to do whatever is asked of him.
He is not a star. He is not a volume scorer. He is not going to make All-NBA teams.
But he is a winning player. And winning players are hard to find.
The Playoff Struggles: A Temporary Concern
White’s shooting struggles have carried over into the playoffs. In the first three games against the Sixers, he has shot 4-for-17 from three-point range. He has looked hesitant at times. He has passed up open looks.
But the Celtics trust him. They know that he will find his rhythm. They know that his defense will keep them in games until his shot returns.
And in Game 3, he did not need to score. Tatum and Brown carried the load. White played his role — defending, passing, and making winning plays.
The Verdict: A Player Every Contender Needs
Derrick White is not the Celtics’ best player. He is not their second-best player. He might not even be their third-best player.
But he might be their most important role player.
He does the little things. He guards the opposing team’s best guard. He makes the extra pass. He takes charges. He contests shots.
He is the kind of player who does not show up in the box score. But his impact is felt every time he steps on the court.
The Celtics are lucky to have him. And despite his shooting struggles, they know it.
White will find his shot. He always does. And when he does, the Celtics will be even more dangerous.
Until then, he will keep defending. He will keep competing. He will keep being the exact player Boston needed.
And that is more than enough.