3 Celtics whose stock are skyrocketing, 2 that are dropping
By Tyler Watts
Stock skyrocketing: Derrick White
It has been an outstanding first two weeks of the 2023-24 season for White. The 6’4 guard has barely missed a shot as he averaged 15.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 29.7 minutes per game. He was sidelined for two of the team’s first six games because of the birth of his child, and it is the only blemish on his production thus far.
White was second-team All-Defense last season, and the 29-year-old has been better on both ends of the floor. He produced an insane 0.300 win shares per 48 minutes in his first four games with 0.100 being league average. Yes, he was three times better than the average player in his first four games of this season.
During that stretch, he had a league-leading 82.0 true shooting percentage and an 80.9 effective field goal percentage. Those numbers are not sustainable, but it speaks to how hot White was to start the year.
He has missed two straight games, but figures to be back in the lineup on Wednesday night. The Celtics need him, and fans should expect the 6’4 guard to continue to shine.
Derrick White has been outstanding on both ends of the floor and will be a key piece for the Boston Celtics this season. He will be one of the best perimeter defenders in the league and a key scorer and shot-maker. Hopefully, this is the start of a career year for the 29-year-old.