Celtics fans, do you remember that night in the summer of 2023? Our hearts broke when we learned that Marcus Smart was traded to the Rockets. He is our core, our soul, our warrior. He once said that the name on the front of the jersey is always more important than the name on the back, and he is a true Celtic who gives everything for the city and this team.
We thought we would lose everything without him. We thought we wouldn't have any hope without him. We thought that without him, we would have no future.
But we were wrong.
Because, we have him.
He is Derek Richard White.
He's the new king of the Celtics, he's the new soul of TD Garden, he's our MVP.
You may not be familiar with him, after all, he only came to Boston in February 2022. At that time, the Celtics traded Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, and two first-round picks from the Spurs in exchange for him. A lot of people felt that the deal was a disaster, believing that the Celtics were giving too much and getting too little.
White's first season wasn't too impressive either, playing in just 26 games, averaging 10.1 points, 3.5 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.6 blocks per game while shooting just 40.9 percent from the field and 30.6 percent from three-point range.
He was plagued by injuries and was unable to show his full potential. However, he did not give up, he did not get discouraged, he did not back down. He keeps trying, keeps improving, keeps proving himself.
Things have changed dramatically in the last 18 months. Having become an integral part of the Celtics, he has become the dominant player on the TD Garden Course, and he has become the center of attention across the league.
Derrick White exploded this season, averaging 17 points, 5.3 assists, 1.3 steals and 1.3 blocks per game, shooting 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from three-point range. Not only did he show great scoring and playmaking on the offensive end, but he also showed tenacious fighting and excellent reading skills on the defensive end.
He is an all-round defender who can make a difference in any position and in any situation. He's a leader who can lead the team out of a rut and win crucial victories. He is a warrior who has been able to persevere and improve despite injuries and setbacks. He is a Celtic who has been able to win the hearts of his fans and carry on the team's legacy.
On Dec. 9, during a game against the Knicks, White completed his "coronation." In the final moments of the game, he stepped to the free throw line and scored his 30th point. At this moment, the whole stadium was boiling, and the fans used the slogan "MVP" to show their love for him. In the months following Marcus's departure, the Celtic soul seemed to be reborn from the ashes by the genius of Derrick White.
But why is Derrick White more important than anyone else, and why is he the new king of the Celtics, the new soul of TD Garden, our MVP?
Let's take a look at his story and see how he has changed a game or even a season with small things.
Defensive Warrior
Derrick White is the type of player that basketball fans love. He is not the kind of superstar who can be invincible on the court by talent and physical condition, and he is not the kind of topic person who can attract attention in the media by his mouth and expression, he is the kind of excellent player who relies on diligence and wisdom, details and persistence, morality and character, strength and results, and wins respect and recognition.
He's an all-around defender, he can score, he can pass, he can defend, he can do anything. However, what he is most admirable about is his performance on the defensive end.
Defensively, he never gives up. Whether it's on the outside or inside, whether it's in the half or the whole court, whether it's in the opposition or in the help defense, whether it's in positioning or conversion, he always gives his all, does everything he can, and doesn't give the opponent any chance.
White has excellent physical qualities, he has a height of 1.93 meters, an arm span of 2.02 meters, he has a strong body, flexible steps, he has sharp reflexes, fast movements, he has excellent reading skills, he is able to judge the opponent's intentions in time, adjust his position in time, and make the right choice in time.
He never gave up, he never backed down, he never compromised. No matter who he faces, no matter what the situation, he will give his all and try his best to stop his opponent's attack. His defensive prowess has made him one of the most unique players in the league.
This season, White has become one of the most blocked guards in the NBA. Since the start of his career, his block percentage has been in the top 3% of guards. This speaks to his defensive talent and awareness, which not only has excellent physicality and flexibility, but also excellent judgment and reflexes. He is always able to surprise his opponent by being in the right position at the most crucial moment.
According to statistics, White has sent a total of 14 blocks in the last 5 games, surpassing Wade and his previous record (13), becoming the guard who has sent the most blocks in 5 consecutive games in NBA history!
The devil is in the details
The stats show that when White is on the court, the Celtics have a staggering +13.9 point difference, a statistic that is unrivaled in the team and is even much higher than the second-best in the team. Of course, this statistic is influenced by other players on the field, but it is undeniable that it sends a strong signal: as long as Derrick White is on the field, the Celtics will be stronger.
White was an excellent pitcher. Not only is he able to shoot quickly after receiving the ball, but he is also able to create his own shooting space after dribbling. His shooting ability allows him to hit difficult shots from any distance and put pressure on opponents. His shooting ability also allows him to stay calm in any situation and give confidence to himself and his teammates.
Derrick White was always on the run during the race. Even the moment he catches and shoots (he's shooting 44 percent from the field this season and averages four attempts per game), his brain is already thinking about his next move. On the basketball court, a player who can constantly move and cause chaos is invaluable. Derrick White is one of those players who has already started his next move after receiving the ball, and this ability to anticipate and read the game has kept him ahead of the curve.
On the offensive end, Derrick White also showed his delicate skills. He knows how to attack the basket and find scoring opportunities even when the interior is heavily defended. His flowing shooting and excellent control of his body and speed allow him to handle taller defenders with ease.
This season, Derrick White has taken his performances to the next level. He has successfully exploited the space on the field to improve his scoring efficiency in the box (74% since the start of the season). The handling and grasp of these details is what makes Derrick White an indispensable key man for the Celtics.
Overall, Derrick White has been impressive on the offensive end. Not only can he score for himself, but he can also create opportunities for his teammates, he can not only shoot from the outside, but he can also attack from the inside, he can not only attack from position, but he can also attack with transitions, he can not only play alone, but also can cooperate, and his style of play fits very well with the Celtics' system.
His progress and growth have been praised by Coach Mazzulla and his teammates, who all see him as a player with unlimited potential and an important part of the future of the Celtics.
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