Derrick White’s All-Star campaign
Written by Joseph Medeiros
The Celtics are rolling in the early part of the season with a 7-2 record and lost their first game in regulation against the Warriors 118-112. Derrick White finished the game with 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists being one of the main reasons the game was close.
Derrick White was a big player for the Celtics last season but has been one of the key players so far as Jaylen Brown’s hip injury has left him sidelined for a few games. With how well Derrick White has been playing there is a real case for him to be an All-Star.
Offense
Derrick White has been a big piece to the Celtics offense both this season and last, particularly because he is well-rounded and has shown exceptional ability to shoot efficiently from behind the arc. Not only can he make perimeter shots, but he can drive to the rim when needed and has a good shot selection.
At 30 years old Derrick White is averaging 19 points and 4 assists a game in 33 minutes a game. When looking at his shooting percentage he is shooting 47.7% from the floor, 90.5% from the free throw line, and an astounding 41.4% from 3.
The most telling statistics that display his offensive capabilities this season are a 64.3% true shooting percentage, but he is currently 4th in the league in offensive rating with a 122.4 rating, fellow Celtic Payton Pritchard leads this list with a 122.8 rating.
Defense
Derrick White’s Two-way abilities were one of the reasons that the Celtics acquired him in 2022 from the Spurs. Derrick White has had some crucial defensive plays for the Celtics highlighting his clutch factor as well.
Last season Derrick White achieved the 21st highest Defensive rating in the league with a 112.1 rating, with fellow teammate Jaylen Brown directly below him with a 112.2 rating. White’s defensive rating has improved from last season as he currently has a 109.3 rating.
Another statistic to look at is plus or minus, as it usually gives a good indicator of how the team does when a specific player is on the floor. Currently Derrick White is leading the NBA in the plus or minus category with a +123 on the season, alongside him are Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (+109) of the Thunder and Bandin Podziemski (+100) of the Warriors.
It is clear that Derrick White has been playing at an exceptionally high level for the Celtics, and if he can continue this form, he could find himself voted an All-Star. White has already developed strong ties to the community and if given the opportunity he would get the necessary votes to be selected.
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