The Boston Celtics have been a revelation in the NBA this season, capturing attention with their unexpected success. A lot of this success can be attributed to head coach Joe Mazzulla and star forward Jaylen Brown. Mazzulla is in the running for Coach of the Year, while Brown, stepping up in Jayson Tatum's absence, has emerged as an MVP contender with a career-best performance.
But let’s not overlook the collective effort that’s propelled the Celtics forward. Role players like Neemias Queta and Sam Hauser have stepped up, while Payton Pritchard and Derrick White have proven to be one of the most effective backcourts in the East.
Derrick White, in particular, has been the Celtics' unsung hero since his acquisition at the 2022 trade deadline. While Brown may have clinched the Finals MVP in 2024, it’s clear they wouldn’t have reached that pinnacle without White. His impact on the court is undeniable, and his partnership with Brown has allowed Boston to not just survive but thrive without Tatum.
White recently shared a memorable story on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon that highlights his dedication. “I’d been putting off going to the dentist,” he recounted, “and during a game, I got hit in the mouth, and my bridge came out. So I just picked it up and went straight to the back.”
Not being a hockey player, White had to improvise. “I figured out a way to glue it back together, put a mouthpiece on, and played the rest of the game, then went to the dentist the next day.”
This incident, which occurred against the 76ers last year, wasn’t White’s first dental drama. In Game 5 of the 2024 Finals, he chipped a tooth diving for a loose ball, then fired up his team by hitting a 3-pointer and shouting, “F*** that tooth! We don’t need it!”
White’s quiet demeanor makes these stories even more entertaining, underscoring his commitment to the team. If he helps lead the Celtics to another championship this year, his dentist might deserve a ring, too.