The Boston Celtics always had high expectations for Derrick White considering they added their 2022 first round draft pick to acquire him at the trading deadline last season. In doing so, White proved he can fit in well with this Celtics group.

White came into Boston as a defensive asset with skills to get to the paint with ease. He finished third in the NBA with 25 charges drawn last season. He averaged 11 points, 3.5 assists, and 3.4 rebounds per game in 26 games with the Celtics during the regular season.

There were times White filled in for Marcus Smart in the point guard position and was great in that role for the team. He has the ability to make plays and distribute but also create for himself by getting to the basket. He has those capabilities and not to mention the best floater on the team.

Derrick White has been the team-high in plus-minus over the last two games. He’ll look to continue being productive with his floater in Game 4 #Celtics pic.twitter.com/VbwMoEECb3

— The Celtics Files (@CelticsFiles) May 9, 2022

In the playoffs, however, it was a bit of a roller coaster for White. He averaged 8.5 points, 2.7 assists, and 3 rebounds per game in 23 games in the playoffs. The alarming part of it was his 1.3 turnovers per game.

I believe White is at his best when he’s the main facilitator, organizing the offense and creating for others. We saw it too often on an inconsistent level this past season, but the Celtics have a lot invested in White and will get the best out of him.

Head coach Ime Udoka needs to solidify White’s role and position on the team. If he’s supposed to be the backup point guard then why is White and Smart sharing the court together in a handful of rotations as we saw used in the playoffs? This is something Udoka struggled with to begin the season- figuring out a working rotation.

White has a few things he needs to improve on this summer. Mainly being his shooting, perhaps he’ll be working with Chris Matthews (AKA Lethal Shooter) over the summer. Chris Matthews recently worked with Grant Williams, and what did Grant turn into from deep this past season? One of the best in the league. 

In all, White is going to be in Boston for the next season. He’s an animal on defense. If he can just sharpen his offensive game then he will prove to be even more serviceable for the Celtics moving forward.

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Photo Credit: Nathaniel S. Butler, NBAE Getty Images