Derrick White has been hooping for the Celtics, and some even think he’s been playing so well that he’s in line for a spot in the All-Star Game.
After Marcus Smart’s departure, White moved into the starting lineup for Boston, which has paid off since the guard leads NBA in net rating (+14.5).
The C’s enjoyed a 126-115 victory over the Lakers on Christmas Day, where White scored 18 points on 8-13 from the floor and had a game-high 11 assists.
Big man Kristaps Porzingis led the Celtics with 28 points and 11 rebounds, but he was more impressed with White.
“I didn’t realize how good D-White was,” admitted Porzingis, per NBC Sports Boston. “He’s kind of like under the radar a little bit, but, man, he’s special.
“The way he plays, like 90-plus percent of the time, he makes the right play. That’s the perfect teammate you want. On top of that, he’s shooting great percentages and being super efficient. I mean, yeah, he’s special, man. I’m happy I have both of those guys on my team — Jrue and D-White.”
Former NBA Player JJ Redick has been one of White’s biggest supporters this season and he was quick to affirm his stance after Monday’s performance.
Derrick White is an All-Star
— JJ Redick (@jj_redick) December 26, 2023
Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla thinks that White is All-Star caliber, as he explained last week.
“He’s an All-Star,” Mazzulla said. “(He’s playing with) freedom, confidence, and empowerment from his teammates. A lot of the times when we want to settle the team down and we want to get to really good execution, we go to Derrick White pick and rolls. …”
The 29-year-old was asked about his coach’s endorsement after the Christmas win over the Lakers and was as humble as ever in response.
“He’s my coach, that’s what he’s supposed to say, right?” White told reporters in LA. “I’m just trying to win games. That’s what I’m focusing on right now. Just do whatever I can to help us win.”
Helping the C’s win is certainly something he can, since the team are 22-4 when he plays.