Boston Celtics Report Cards: Guards get 2 great grades, 1 mediocre grade

Celtics player grades: Derrick White

Derrick White had a spectacular regular season as he continued to build on an already impressive Boston Celtics tenure. The guard has refined his game, becoming one of the best shooters in the NBA and one of the best shot-blocking guards ever.

He averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, 4.2 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and a steal per game on 46% shooting overall, 40% from three, and 90% from the foul line.

White played in 73 games, showing incredible durability, and was one of the best crunch-time players on both ends. There were arguments about being snubbed from the All-Star game when he was not chosen as an injury replacement. Like Holiday, White was also named to the All-Defensive Second Team.

In the postseason, White elevated his game to a new level, averaging 16.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 1.2 blocks on 45% shooting overall, 40% from three, and 92% from the stripe.

The combo guard's games featured electric posters, transition threes, and chase-down blocks. He nearly broke his face for an NBA Championship and continued to play through the injury (but he did get dental surgery in the following days).

There is no championship without Derrick White, and his 38-point master class in Round 1 vs. the Miami Heat was a perfect example of that.

Final Grade: A