Boston Celtics takeaway No. 2) Where does Derrick White fit?
While Grant Williams passed this year’s playoff test with flying colors, Derrick White has fallen a bit short. His drive and kick game remains a positive for Boston and went on to record a solid nine points and six rebounds in 27 minutes during their Monday night bout.
However, his perimeter game is still a question mark, as he only hit one of his 11 3-point attempts in the series.
In upcoming games, when players like Tatum and Jaylen Brown see multiple defenders, the Celtics will have players open on the perimeter. If White is one of those players, a defender can easily help off of him without much risk/ fear.
The major trade deadline acquisition has to prove that he can make shots from deep, or else he’ll struggle to find a place on the floor.
Against a potential Milwaukee opponent, a team that’s been starting Giannis Antetokounmpo at small forward (!) with the absence of Khris Middleton, who does White defend? It’ll be interesting to see the adjustments coach Ime Udoka takes going into next series.
If we know anything, it’s that we can trust Udoka to figure out a relevant and successful game plan for each series.