Celtics’ $118 Million Star Listed On Exclusive List Of NBA Players

The Boston Celtics made a bold move in trading for Derrick White from the San Antonio Spurs in 2022. But it turned out to pay off, as he was a key piece on their championship team in 2024, and since arriving in Boston, he has elevated almost all of his statistical categories. 

The Celtics’ move for White proved to be extremely beneficial, especially after he was ranked as one of the most underrated players in the NBA since 2020, according to Bleacher Report. 

“White used to be one of those players with whom you’d need to go beyond the box score to appreciate. Not anymore,” Dan Favale wrote. “He leads all non-All-Stars in VORP since 2020-21, during which time the only player with as many assists (1,552) and blocks (337) is Giannis Antetokounmpo.”

Since 2020, White has averaged 14.5 points, 4.6 assists, 4.2 rebounds, one block, and 0.9 steals per game on 43.% field goal shooting and 36% shooting from three. 

White’s Gone Under The Radar

As Favale mentions, White’s status as one of the most underrated players in the NBA since 2020 goes beyond just his counting statistics. He has been one of the top defensive guards in the league, and though it hasn’t led to any All-NBA awards, the pressure he brings on that side of the ball is top-tier.

For the Celtics, White has turned into one of their best all-around players. This past season, he ranked second on the team in assists and blocks, third in minutes, and fourth in scoring. Behind Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White was the only Boston player to average at least 15 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game last year. 

“Defense used to be his primary calling card,” Favale added. “He has spent the better part of the past half-decade leveling up his offense to feature better decision-making out of drives, much-improved three-point shooting and leveled-up playmaking, not purely as a connective ball-mover but also an initiator.”

While his numbers on Boston’s team last season were the best of his career, especially considering the talent he was surrounded by, it isn’t just one season that puts him second on the ‘most underrated players since 2020’ list. His consistent play while contributing to winning is something that can’t be said for a lot of other players making his type of money around the league. 

White Apart Of Celtics’ Future

After Tatum’s Achilles injury in the playoffs, Boston’s plans for the future took a major turn. 

Over the offseason, they traded away big names like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, while they lost Luke Kornet and Al Horford in free agency. Now, without Tatum, the Celtics are set to have a roster highlighted by White, Brown, Payton Pritchard, Anfernee Simons, and Sam Hauser, along with a few other fringe big men. 

Most recently, Boston made multiple moves more than a month into the offseason in hopes of staying competitive without their main star. They traded Georges Niang and two second-round picks for rookie RJ Luis Jr., as well as adding Chris Boucher in free agency. 

Things will be different in Boston next year, but after all of their roster turnover, them keeping White proves his value. They had big trade offers for him, but had an even more expensive asking price. However, chose to keep the star, not only for the reason that he signed a four-year $118 million contract with the team last summer, but because he has been an impactful presence on their team. 

The NBA has finally seemed to notice White’s ability, but the Celtics noticed it years ago and expect him to remain as a top contributor while they rebuild for when Tatum returns healthy.