Derrick White has put his early-season slump behind him. The Boston Celtics guard has been impressive in recent weeks, as he’s adjusted to his larger role. White is Boston’s secondary option on offense, along with being one of the team’s primary playmakers.
During Boston’s 112-96 win over the Toronto Raptors on Saturday, Dec. 20, White was once again one of the best players on the court. He ended the game with 15 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and a block. And despite going 5-of-20 from the field, he provided a level of connectivity that allowed those around him to thrive.
During his postgame news conference, Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic shared a familiar statement regarding White.
“I think Derrick White is the most underrated player in the league,” Rajakovic said, per Gary Washburn. “He’s an unbelievable player.”
Interestingly, Rajakovic’s comments echoed Erik Spoelstra’s. The Miami Heat head coach had shared a similar message regarding the Celtics guard just 24 hours earlier, after White helped Joe Mazzulla’s team secure a 129-116 win over the Miami Heat.
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“I think he is the most underrated player in the league,” Spoelstra said. “The guy is an absolute winner, whatever role you put him in. Tonight, obviously, he showed to be a scorer in all the different facets … Defensively, he just does so many things … He’s the best shot-blocking guard in the league.”
White is playing at a borderline All-Star level. Coming into the season, Celtics fans knew he would be an important part of the rotation. However, White is surpassing expectations, as he continues to help spearhead an offense that misses Jayson Tatum.
If White continues to play at his current level, it wouldn’t be too much of a stretch to proposed that he emerges as a surprise candidate to make the 2026 All-Star game.
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Featured image via Stephen Lew/Imagn Images
