3 biggest X-factors found on the bench for the Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics X-factor No. 2) Derrick White

The big grab at this year’s trade deadline, since touching down in eastern Massachusetts, Derrick White has proven to be an absolute gem of an addition to this Boston Celtics team.

Though he has found himself serving in a starting role for a large chunk of the last two seasons, the combo guard has proven to fit in perfectly as the C’s trusty sixth man option within the rotation and we’re absolutely ecstatic about it.

Frankly, all fans should be.

Now, while his counting stats since joining the ball club should by no means blow anyone away (11.2 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists), it is the usually undocumented aspects of his game that have played to be a major part in his new tenure in green and white threads.

From his defensive expertise that went on to hold star guard Trae Young to just nine points on 30 percent shooting from the field in the second half of their recent matchup to his 12 points on 50 percent shooting from deep performance that helped lead the Celtics to an impressive win over the red-hot Memphis Grizzlies, White’s impact has been seen impacting Boston as a whole, including the bench-unit, of course.

Prior to his arrival, the team’s second-unit squad was performing like a middle-of-the-pack squad, ranking 15th in the league in overall Net Rating. Since his first appearance as a member of the Boston Celtics, however, the team has managed to skyrocket up the rankings in this department, as they place fourth in the association in Net Rating over his current 10-game stint.

A coincidence? We think not!