Boston Celtics G Derrick White’s durability might just be his best attribute

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White played in all 82 games this season, demonstrating a key quality that all teams seek in a role player.

Just 10 players across in the NBA throughout the 2022-23 campaign played in every single game. No. 9 was one of them. Derrick White became the first Celtic since Isaiah Thomas in the 2015/16 season to play in all 82 games. The former Colorado guard is just one of six Celtics to have contributed in every regular season contest in a single season in the last 15 years.

Since coming over from San Antonio, White has been everything this organization has asked for and more. To play in all 82 games takes a special player. Throw all the standout statistics that White was able to collect throughout his time in Boston. Playing in all 82 contests has to trump them all. Just 15 players over the last two regular seasons can say that they have played a part in every one of their team’s contests ahead of the postseason. In today’s day and age, rest has become one of the biggest talking points around the league. You don’t see 51 players contributing in every regular season game like the 1997-98 NBA campaign, the modern NBA has placed far less emphasis on the regular season as a whole.

Head coach Joe Mazzulla explained the importance for White to play in the final game ahead of the postseason.

"“I think it’s important and I think he takes pride in that…It’s cool to see. I’m happy for him.”"

The association’s season is quite strenuous, and despite the many challenges, Boston always knew White would be there to contribute in any way he could night in and night out. White even had a hole in his right ear drum in an overtime loss in Milwaukee, but somehow fought through the pain to play 27 minutes in a back to back against the Pistons as the Boston Celtics concluded play before the All-Star break. White is one of the only players that will go out and play a basketball game even though his hearing may not be 100%.

Playing all 82 contests this season for Boston Celtics should not go underappreciated

Some say the regular season is not important (i.e. Tristian Thompson and Kyrie Irving), but for White is means everything. In January, White suffered a knee injury late in the fourth quarter against the Raptors, and sustained a neck sprain in Charlotte. None of that prevented the former Spurs’ point guard from giving in the following game.

White got close to the mark last season, missing out on becoming a member of the 82-game club by just seven contests. Many may argue that other than Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White is the most vital piece to the puzzle that will lead to Banner 18. On this season’s postseason run, Mazzulla will know that no matter the obstacles, White will always act as that necessary stabilizer.

Just 20 times since the 1999/2000 season has a Boston Celtics player not sit out a single game during the regular season. Careers of an induvial are often defined by the number of points, rebounds or assists that player has scored. Showing up night in and night out, especially in today’s NBA is something the league should award in some way. Whether it is honoring them with some sort of silverware, or an incentive, the league should take a look at providing recognition to those among this rare 82-game club. White is one of the leaders in the pack among a league that has increased its importance on rest. En route to a championship, this is exactly the kind of player Boston needs.