Derrick White may not be the first name that comes to mind when you think of the Boston Celtics’ star power-that spotlight usually shines on Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown-but make no mistake: White has carved out a critical role on one of the NBA’s most balanced and dangerous teams. And while he might not carry the "star" label, his impact often mirrors one.
Now in his fourth full season with Boston after being acquired from San Antonio at the 2021-22 trade deadline, White has become the kind of player every contender needs-versatile, steady, and ready for whatever the game demands. Whether that means locking down an opposing guard, orchestrating the offense, or pouring in 30 points on a given night, White is proving that his value can’t be boxed into a single category.
On a recent episode of his podcast, The White Noise Podcast with Derrick White, the 2017 No. 29 overall pick pulled back the curtain on how he views his evolving role in Boston.
“I think there’s a big gap between star and role player, and there’s not really a middle ground,” White said. “I just try to do anything.
Some games I might be just a role player, some games I might need to score 30. Some people, they are like role players, you’re not gonna ask them to get 30.
So I want to be someone that can do a little bit of everything.”
That “little bit of everything” has become a lot of everything lately-especially with Tatum sidelined. White has stepped up in a major way, helping keep the Celtics at the top of the Eastern Conference standings. His ability to fill in the gaps-whether it’s scoring, defending, or facilitating-has been crucial in maintaining the team’s rhythm and identity.
Through 39 games this season, White is logging over 34 minutes a night, averaging 18.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game. Those aren’t just solid numbers-they’re the kind of well-rounded stats that show up in winning box scores. His shooting splits-39.4% from the field, 32.8% from beyond the arc, and a sharp 88.8% from the free-throw line-speak to both his offensive reliability and room for improvement.
What makes White’s production even more impressive is how seamlessly he adapts to the game’s flow. Some nights, he’s a floor spacer and defensive anchor.
Other nights, he’s the secondary scorer or even the primary ball handler. That flexibility is rare-and for a Celtics team with championship aspirations, it’s invaluable.
During the 2024 title run, White’s contributions were pivotal. He was the kind of player who made winning plays that didn’t always show up in highlights but made all the difference in a playoff series. Now, he’s building on that legacy, not by demanding the spotlight, but by owning whatever role the Celtics need him to play that night.
In a league that often loves to define players by labels-star, role player, sixth man-White is showing that true value comes from being able to blur those lines. He’s not trying to fit into a box.
He’s trying to win. And for Boston, that mindset might be just as important as any stat line.