Derrick White continues to prove why he's one of the NBA's most underrated two-way players. The Boston Celtics guard delivered another standout performance during the 2025-26 season, showcasing a blend of offensive efficiency and defensive tenacity that has become his trademark.
In his fourth full season since joining the Celtics from the San Antonio Spurs, White posted career highs across the board: 16.5 points, 5.4 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game. While some fans might have expected a bigger leap in scoring with Jayson Tatum sidelined for parts of the season, White's defensive growth was nothing short of remarkable.
Perhaps his most eye-popping stat? White swatted 98 shots this season—the most by a guard in 17 years, since Dwyane Wade recorded 106 blocks during the 2008-09 campaign. That kind of rim protection from a backcourt player is rare, and it didn't go unnoticed. White finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, the highest placement of his nine-year career.
From chase-down blocks to clutch three-pointers and crafty assists, White's highlight reel this season is a testament to his all-around game. Whether he's locking down opponents on the perimeter or making smart reads on offense, the veteran guard has cemented himself as an indispensable piece of Boston's championship puzzle.
Check out some of Derrick White's best plays from the 2025-26 season—a masterclass in how to impact the game without always filling the stat sheet.
