3 Untouchable Boston Celtics not named Jayson Tatum
By Tyler Watts
2. Derrick White
The Celtics gave up two role players and two first-round draft picks to get White from the Spurs in 2022. He quickly became a key cog in Boston and his role expanded last season. They had guard depth, but White was deemed virtually untouchable at last year’s trade deadline. The Celtics simply value him more than what any other team is willing to pay.
He was named second-team All-Defense last season as the 6’4 helped lead Boston to the second-best defensive rating in the NBA. White was the Celtics’ best perimeter defender, and the front office was comfortable trading Marcus Smart because they had the 29-year-old to take his place.
He will be the team’s starting point guard, and everyone is excited to see what he can do in an expanded role. Derrick White is in the middle of his prime and figures to be a key contributor on both ends of the floor. He shot 38.1 percent from 3-point range last season and being able to knock down open looks will be crucial as Boston attempts to make a deep playoff run.
The Boston Celtics are not trading Derrick White unless it is the only way to get another superstar. They need his ball-handling, playmaking, shooting, and defense to be true title contenders in 2024.