Right here’s a stat for you. In the event you’re a Celtics fan, it probably received’t shock you in any respect, but it surely’s noteworthy nonetheless.
Just one NBA participant is averaging no less than 18 factors, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block per recreation whereas taking pictures no less than 40 p.c from 3-point vary as of Tuesday afternoon.
Solely 34 gamers are averaging one block or extra. Out of these 34, solely seven are taking pictures 40 p.c or higher from 3. Of these seven, solely two are averaging 4 assists or extra (OK, Draymond Inexperienced is the opposite; sorry for the buzzkill). Of these two, just one is averaging 18 or extra factors (in Draymond’s desires).
His identify, as you will have guessed by now, is Derrick White.
White, who has deservedly change into a fan favourite round these elements, has a knack for giving the Celtics precisely what they want on the excellent moments. I’m not calling him Dwyane Wade, however he has a Wade-like pulse for methods to contribute in vital spots (and White is objectively a greater shooter).
It could be a block, it could be a 3, it could be an help. Regardless of the Celtics want, White is there to supply it. I might argue that he’s one of the vital versatile gamers within the NBA.
Clearly, guys like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic headline that record. However within the second tier, few are extra impactful in a wide range of methods than White.
Derrick White must be a Celtic for all times. Something much less can be …a catastrophe.
— CelticsBlog (@celticsblog) November 26, 2024
When groups key in on Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White is constantly there to make the easy but efficient play.
Let’s break it down ability by ability. The shot-blocking is legitimately wild and separates him from 99 p.c of guards within the league. His timing is impeccable. Offensive gamers nonetheless appear to have no concept it’s coming, which amuses me. Averaging a block a recreation as a middle is troublesome. Doing in order a guard is insane.
His 3-point taking pictures is extraordinarily dependable. I’ve obtained to offer credit score to guys like Anthony Davis and Myles Turner, who constantly step out and bury 3’s. However White has the seventh-most made 3’s per recreation at 3.9, behind solely Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Bell, Tyler Herro, some man named Stephen Curry, Tatum and legend Norm Powell.
Derrick White has the fifth highest FG% on floaters this season at 64%
Extraordinarily helpful shot for any guard to have, and White has mastered it. pic.twitter.com/3bIhLnNdxl
— Pull up shoot (@NElGHT_) November 26, 2024
Out of these seven gamers, White has by far the fewest turnovers. The ball is in his palms lower than the vast majority of these gamers, but it surely speaks to his poise and playmaking capability. White can play the 1 or the two (even the three as wanted), defends bigs at a excessive stage when requested to and makes life a lot simpler for his teammates.
Strive to think about a ability that White isn’t good at. You may’t. There isn’t one. The restrict doesn’t exist.
NBC Sports activities Boston broadcaster Drew Carter put it effectively Monday night time when he stated that White was born to play for the Celtics. Purple Auerbach and Tommy Heinsohn would have cherished this man. He actually is the proper Celtic, and he additionally occurs to be one of many league’s most versatile gamers.
Do not take him as a right, as a result of Swiss Military knives like this do not come round fairly often.
