Derrick White has developed from a rookie who began his collegiate career at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs, a school that starts and ends with him on the list of NBA players, to a player who some questioned whether he belonged at the highest level of basketball, into one of the best role players in the league.
Now in his seventh season in the NBA, White is averaging new career bests of 15.2 points and 4.2 rebounds, while averaging one steal per game, tying his single-season high with 5.2 assists, and making 39.6 percent of his 6.8 three-pointers.
He became just the second player in Celtics franchise history to record at least 15.0 points, 5.0 assists, 1.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game in a season, joining Larry Bird, who accomplished the same feat in 1984-85 and 1990-91.
The 6-foot-4 guard was named to the All-Defensive Second Team for the second straight year. He ranked in the 91st percentile in estimated defensive plus-minus and finished the regular season 15th in defensive win shares, according to dunksandthrees.com.
White averaged 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.2 blocks per game in the playoffs, helping the Celtics win Banner 18. He is the only player in NBA history to record at least 300 points, 70 assists and commit 16 or fewer turnovers in a single playoff game.
The Parker, Colorado native became just the fourth NBA guard since 1971 with at least 20 blocks in multiple playoff games, joining Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant and Dennis Johnson.
Following the official announcement of White's four-year, $125.9 million contract extension, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in the team's press release announcing the deal to retain a player vital to the team's hopes of making Banner 18 the start of a dynasty:
“Derrick is an incredible player who has immersed himself in the Boston community since joining in the spring of 2021,” said president of basketball operations Brad Stevens. “Derrick brings joy and selflessness to our facility every day. He is driven to improve and has demonstrated that every year of his career. More importantly, he cares most about the things that matter, like building great relationships and competing with integrity. We are very fortunate to have Derrick join the Celtics and are excited to have him here for many years to come.”
References
Celtics coaching staff changes Boston offseason theme
Celtics roster and salary cap breakdown after whirlwind start to free agency
Celtics, Jayson Tatum agree to largest contract in NBA history
Celtics ownership group announces plans to sell franchise
Derrick White, integral to Celtics' dynasty, signs four-year contract extension
Celtics rush to re-sign Luke Kornet
Brad Stevens gives outlook on Celtics draft picks
Baylor Scheerman shares Celtics feedback ahead of draft
Al Horford, the Raising Canes and the community that loves him
Derrick White and what drove his unprecedented journey to becoming the NBA's best role player
NBA champion Jayson Tatum is in his prime
