As the Boston Celtics push toward another deep playoff run, the addition of veteran center Nikola Vucevic has bolstered an already stacked roster. But while his presence strengthens the team on the court, there’s been a light-hearted subplot off of it - a jersey number standoff, of sorts, between Vucevic and Celtics guard Derrick White.
On a recent episode of the White Noise Podcast, White shared a playful exchange about the No. 9 jersey - a number both he and Vucevic have worn throughout their careers. Though Vucevic didn’t formally request the number after joining Boston, White joked about what it might take for him to give it up.
“If he said five [million], it’s not [happening],” White quipped. “But if he said 10 [million], alright, that’d be fine.”
That’s a steep price for a jersey number, but White’s attachment to No. 9 runs deeper than just personal preference. Since arriving in Boston during the 2021-22 season, White has worn the number with pride - and success. He’s been a steady, two-way presence for the Celtics, and fans in the Garden have come to associate No. 9 with his gritty, intelligent play.
“Nine is my favorite number,” White said. “When I see my people wear nine in like the Garden and it’s like a Nike jersey, then I’m like, ‘Ah, I know that’s mine.’ So there’s something special about that.”
He added, “There’s something kind of special about looking up and seeing all that. My fans know me as No.
- If there was a special reason [Vucevic] wanted to be No. 9, maybe I would consider it.
But I kind of want to stay nine.”
And it’s hard to argue with him. White has become one of Boston’s most valuable - and versatile - players.
He was pivotal in the Celtics’ 2024 championship run, and he’s been just as important this season. Averaging 17.2 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, along with 1.2 steals and 1.4 blocks, White is the kind of player every contender needs.
He defends multiple positions, makes smart decisions with the ball, and doesn’t shy away from big moments.
In other words, he’s earned that jersey.
As for Vucevic, the veteran big man has been a solid contributor since arriving in Boston. He’s putting up 13.7 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game - numbers that reflect his ability to stretch the floor, rebound at a high level, and bring a steady interior presence. He’s not here to shake things up; he’s here to help this team win.
And in a locker room as dialed in as Boston’s, chemistry matters. With the Celtics sitting at 35-19 and holding the second seed in the East, the last thing they need is any unnecessary friction - even something as seemingly minor as a jersey number dispute.
Vucevic keeping things light and letting White hold onto No. 9 is a subtle but smart move. It shows respect, and it keeps the focus on the bigger picture.
That bigger picture? A legitimate shot at another banner.
With Jayson Tatum nearing a return and the team clicking on both ends of the floor, Boston looks every bit the title contender. The pieces are in place - from Tatum and Jaylen Brown to White, Vucevic, and the rest of the rotation. And with White continuing to thrive in his role, No. 9 might just find itself in some more championship photos before this season is over.