Derrick White, the talented point guard for the Boston Celtics, has become a fixture in the NBA thanks to his defensive prowess, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute on both ends of the floor. Known for his all-around game and versatility, White has steadily grown into one of the league’s top young guards. This article will delve into his stats, career milestones, and how he has developed into one of the NBA’s most promising players.
Who Is Derrick White?
Derrick White was born on July 2, 1994, in Parker, Colorado. His journey to the NBA is a testament to perseverance and hard work. Unlike many players who enter the league via the top college programs, White’s path was unconventional. He started his college career at Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS), a Division II school, before transferring to the University of Colorado Boulder, where he played for the Buffaloes.
In 2017, White declared for the NBA Draft after a standout season with Colorado, where he averaged over 18 points per game, 4 assists, and 5 rebounds. His performance caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected as the 29th overall pick in the first round of the 2017 NBA Draft by the San Antonio Spurs. White’s story is one of grit and determination, as he overcame significant challenges in his early basketball career to make it to the NBA. Over the years, his play style has evolved, and his stats reflect his growth as a player.
Derrick White’s NBA Career: A Brief Overview
Derrick White was drafted by the Spurs in 2017, and he made his NBA debut during the 2017-18 season. His first few years in the league were spent developing under the tutelage of the Spurs’ legendary coach, Gregg Popovich. As a rookie, White showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end. His ability to guard multiple positions, combined with his high basketball IQ, made him an ideal fit in the Spurs’ system.
During his time with the Spurs, White became known for his reliable defense, his ability to create for others, and his improved shooting. He played alongside key players such as DeMar DeRozan and LaMarcus Aldridge, and his development helped solidify his spot as an important player on the team.
In February 2022, White was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he immediately impacted the team with his defense, playmaking, and versatility. He quickly became a key rotational player for the Celtics as they made a deep run into the 2022 NBA Playoffs. His two-way abilities made him an excellent fit alongside the Celtics’ stars, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Derrick White’s Career Stats
Derrick White’s stats reflect his gradual development into a key player in the NBA. As of 2021, here is a look at his career averages and how his performance has evolved over time:
Points Per Game (PPG): Throughout his career, White has been an efficient scorer. His scoring numbers have gradually increased as he has become a more integral part of his team’s offense. Early in his career, he averaged 5.4 points per game as a rookie. By his third season, he was averaging 11.0 PPG in 2020-2021, showcasing his growth as a reliable scoring option. With the Celtics, White has continued to contribute, even with other offensive stars on the roster.
Assists Per Game (APG): One of White’s standout attributes is his ability to facilitate the offense. His career high in assists came during the 2020-2021 season when he averaged 5.6 APG. This shows his increasing role as a playmaker, especially in the absence of a traditional point guard on his team. As White’s responsibilities have grown, so too has his assist numbers, highlighting his ability to create for others.
Rebounds Per Game (RPG): Though not primarily known for his rebounding, White’s tenacity and basketball IQ allow him to contribute on the boards, especially as a guard. His career average stands at about 3.4 RPG, with his highest rebounds per game coming in the 2020-2021 season when he averaged 3.6 RPG. White’s solid rebounding ability is a testament to his all-around game.
Steals and Defensive Stats: Derrick White’s defensive stats are some of his most impressive. He is known for his ability to guard multiple positions, including both guards and wings. As a defender, White has averaged 1.0 steals per game over his career, with a 1.2 steals per game season in 2020-2021. His defensive rating, which measures a player’s ability to stop opponents from scoring while they’re on the floor, often ranks highly, making him a key component of his team’s defensive schemes.
Field Goal Percentage (FG%): White’s field goal percentage has been consistent throughout his career. For a guard, his shooting efficiency is solid, averaging around 44.0% for his career. His best shooting season came in 2020-2021, where he shot 45.5% from the field, reflecting his improved shot selection and finishing around the basket.
Three-Point Percentage (3P%): White’s three-point shooting has improved considerably over the years. In his rookie season, he shot just 29.0% from deep. However, by the 2020-2021 season, his three-point shooting percentage was up to 37.0%, demonstrating his growing range. This added dimension to his game has made him a more dangerous offensive threat, especially as defenses are forced to guard him from beyond the arc.
Free Throw Percentage (FT%): Derrick White has shown solid proficiency from the free-throw line, shooting around 79% for his career. His best free throw percentage came in 2020-2021, where he shot 81.5% from the charity stripe. As a guard who often drives to the basket, free throw shooting is an essential skill, and White has performed well in this area.
Derrick White’s Strengths and Playing Style
Derrick White is known for his defensive versatility, basketball IQ, and ability to contribute in multiple areas. His size (6’4″, 190 lbs) and length allow him to guard both point guards and shooting guards, and even small forwards on occasion. White is an exceptional on-ball defender, using his quick hands, agility, and instincts to disrupt opposing offenses.
Offensively, White is known for his playmaking. His ability to create for teammates and run an offense efficiently has made him an ideal point guard in both the Spurs and Celtics’ systems. White is not just a passer; he’s also a capable scorer, able to drive to the basket and finish through contact. His mid-range jumper and improved three-point shooting make him a dual threat offensively.
Another key strength of White is his leadership. Despite being relatively young in the league, White has earned the respect of his teammates and coaches. His poise under pressure, particularly in the playoffs, has made him a crucial contributor on both ends of the floor.
Derrick White’s Impact with the Boston Celtics
Since being traded to the Boston Celtics in 2022, Derrick White has had a significant impact on the team. His defensive ability and versatility have made him a natural fit in the Celtics’ system. Playing alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White has contributed not just as a scorer but also as a key playmaker and defender.
White’s ability to guard multiple positions allows Celtics’ head coach Ime Udoka to mix and match lineups without worrying about defensive liabilities. His offensive playmaking, combined with his improved three-point shooting, makes him a valuable asset in Boston’s high-powered offense.
FAQs
What is Derrick White’s 3-point shooting percentage?
Derrick White has established himself as a respectable 3-point shooter throughout his career. For the 2024-2025 season, his 3-point shooting percentage is approximately 36.2%. White’s ability to stretch the floor makes him a valuable asset, especially in a system like Boston’s, which emphasizes ball movement and spacing.
What is Derrick White’s role on the Boston Celtics?
Derrick White serves as a starting guard for the Celtics, primarily functioning as a two-way player who can guard multiple positions and facilitate the offense. He has been particularly important as a secondary playmaker alongside star players like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. His defensive ability allows the Celtics to use him as a stopper on opposing guards, and his basketball IQ makes him a strong decision-maker in high-pressure situations.
How does Derrick White compare to other point guards in the NBA?
While Derrick White may not be considered among the very top point guards in the NBA like Stephen Curry or Luka Dončić, he excels in his role as a two-way guard. He is often recognized for his consistency on defense, his ability to play within a team-oriented offense, and his clutch performances. White’s versatility and all-around game make him a very valuable player in today’s NBA, especially on a title-contending team like the Celtics.
Is Derrick White an All-Star?
As of now, Derrick White has not been selected to an NBA All-Star game. However, his performances in recent seasons, especially his defensive efforts and the role he plays in the Celtics’ success, have garnered attention. If he continues to elevate his game, there may be potential for an All-Star appearance in the future.
What impact did Derrick White have in the 2022 NBA Finals?
Derrick White played a crucial role in the Boston Celtics’ run to the 2022 NBA Finals. He provided key defense and was an important floor spacer, hitting several critical 3-pointers throughout the series. White’s defense against Golden State’s guards and his contributions as a secondary ball handler helped the Celtics in their quest for an NBA title.
In Summary
Derrick White’s stats and career reflect a player who has consistently improved each year. Whether it’s his scoring, playmaking, defense, or leadership, White continues to evolve and prove that he belongs among the top players in the league. His journey from a Division II player to an NBA contributor is inspiring, and his future in the league looks incredibly bright. As White continues to grow and develop, his contributions to the Boston Celtics and the NBA as a whole will only increase. Fans and analysts alike are excited to see what the future holds for this talented young guard.
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