It’s been quite a run for Derrick White since he arrived in Boston.
An NBA title and a gold medal. All-Defense status and a lucrative long-term contract extension. It feels a little bit greedy to wonder what more he can do to help the Celtics when his mere presence seems to elevate everyone around him.
For Day 12 of our Ramp to Camp series, and continuing our “What’s Next?” week for the key members of the 2025-26 Celtics, we’re putting the spotlight on White.
While it feels like White is one to shun individual honors, it’s pretty obvious that the only major honor that has eluded him in recent seasons has been an All-Star nod. Some poorly-timed cold streaks have conspired against him — along with the fact that Boston’s roster has been overflowing with talent — but it sure feels like there will be an opportunity to earn that All-Star selection this season.
The absence of a rehabbing Jayson Tatum to start the season combined with a talent drain cased by the second apron is going to allow White even more freedom on the offensive end. How might White’s production spike?
You probably need only rewind to March 5, when the Celtics played the Blazers without both Tatum and Jaylen Brown. White erupted for 41 points on 14-of-26 shooting while making nine 3-pointers (while added four “stocks” too). He combined with Payton Pritchard for the first 40/40 game in Celtics history.
In eight regular-season games played without Tatum last season, White averaged 20.8 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. The Celtics were +75 in his 274 Tatum-less minutes. That feels like the sort of stat line that would get the attention of All-Star voters.
In 16 regular-season games without Brown last season, White was at 17.9 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. The Celtics were +143 in 555 minutes of floor time. The theme: White was more than capable of elevating when the Celtics were without one of their stars.
An All-Star nod would be a reflection of White’s ability to help keep this team afloat while navigating Tatum’s absence. If the Celtics outkick outsiders’ tempered expectations, then core members like White could be rewarded with trips to Los Angeles.
Much like with Brown elevating to the 1A role, we’re intrigued to see how White fares in a brighter spotlight. Teams will game-plan more to take away those clean 3-point looks, but White is so good at simply making the right play.
Will his scoring bump up to that 20-point range? Will his assist numbers spike to career-high levels? We’re intrigued to see how his efficiency fares with more usage and whether he can keep the turnovers down.
You know the defense is going to be there. He’s averaged better than a block per game in each of the past two seasons while establishing himself as the best — and craftiest — shot-blocking guard in the league.
We’re also interested to see how White’s leadership grows. Entering Year 9 at age 31, he has the resume to be more vocal if he desires, even if he typically leads by example with his smart play. White can help steer this ship through some rocky waters as younger players try to find their identities on a new-look roster.
Everyone in Boston knows White’s value. An All-Star nod would be an acknowledgment that the rest of the league knows, too.
Let’s check in with our panel on the one thing they want to see from White this season:
Darren Hartwell, Managing Editor
Assertiveness. It took almost two seasons for the Celtics to convince White to shoot whenever he had an open look, and he blossomed into Boston’s third-best scorer as a result.
With Tatum out, he’s now the second-best scorer and will be asked to shoulder an even greater offensive load. Beyond taking open shots, it’d be great to see White look to create his own offense more frequently.
Michael Hurley, Web Producer
Keep being Derrick White. Maybe that sounds like an unserious response, but if I’m looking at Derrick White, I don’t want him to change a thing about his game. Good player. Stay that way.
Sean McGuire, Web Producer
I’d like to see White turn into a high-volume scorer behind Jaylen Brown. He’s been a consistent scorer, having averaged 16.4 points per game during a career season in 2024-25. That’s what was needed from him then, but it’s not what is needed now.
White had 17 games with 20 points or more but just four with 25-plus points and two of 30-plus. Given Boston will be without three of the team’s top six scorers from last season (Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday) White will need to pack a bigger punch in that department.
Josh Canu, Media Editor
Be an All-Star. Derrick White is the No. 2 option for the Celtics this season. He has shown that when one of the Jays is out, he can pick up the slack. Now he has to do it every night.
I want to see if White is able to maintain his defensive impact while absorbing a bigger offensive role. If he finds that balance, he will be an All-Star this season.
Max Lederman, Content Producer
I want to see White average 22-plus points per game this season. He has the ability, but can he consistently score for the C’s without any diminishing returns on the defensive end?
Adam Hart, EP, Content Strategy
I’d like to see him avoid a joyless cold streak. It’s sad to know he’s not having a blast out on the court.
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