Despite having a younger, new-look roster with lots of fresh faces, the Boston Celtics played well during the preseason, going 3-1 with a plus-49 point differential.
Several players shined for the Celtics, including Derrick White. He led Boston to a 3-0 record in his three preseason games, averaging 21.7 points, 7.0 assists, 6.3 rebounds and 2.7 blocks per game while dominating on both ends of the floor.
All of those figures would be career highs for White if he posts them during the regular season, which seems possible on this year’s diminished roster. Without Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, White will be far more involved on offense as Boston’s clear No. 2 scoring option behind Jaylen Brown.
That’s a big change for White, who mostly operated as the team’s third or fourth scoring option in years past and was more of a complementary piece rather than a focal point of the offense.
Preseason D-White ð¥ð¥ð¥16 PTS, 10 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 1 BLK16 PTS, 5 AST, 7 REB, 3 BLK33 PTS, 6 AST, 9 REB, 4 BLK pic.twitter.com/zY4aA1J26l— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 16, 2025
His offense has steadily improved since he joined the Celtics midway through the 2021-22 season as he’s gotten more comfortable playing in Joe Mazzulla’s offense. He averaged career highs in numerous categories last year, including points per game, rebounds per game and 3-pointers made per game alongside the second-highest PER of his career.
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With White expected to shoulder more offensive responsibility this year, he’ll get more touches than ever before and should see his numbers continue to rise. There’s a good chance he averages over 20 points per game for the first time in his career, although his efficiency may take a hit if he’s forced to do too much.
A borderline All-Star last year, the 31-year-old guard may finally earn his first career All-Star nod this season. White’s already one of the best defensive players in the league, and now his offensive numbers are poised for a boost.
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Boston is counting on White to step up this year and continue his two-way excellence. If he takes his game to another level, that could help the Celtics survive until Tatum’s possible return and perhaps propel them into the playoffs.