Derrick White is among the NBA’s most versatile gamers

Right here’s a stat for you. In case you’re a Celtics fan, it probably gained’t shock you in any respect, nevertheless it’s noteworthy nonetheless.

Just one NBA participant is averaging not less than 18 factors, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1 block per recreation whereas capturing not less than 40 p.c from 3-point vary as of Tuesday afternoon.

Solely 34 gamers are averaging one block or extra. Out of these 34, solely seven are capturing 40 p.c or higher from 3. Of these seven, solely two are averaging 4 assists or extra (OK, Draymond Inexperienced is the opposite; sorry for the buzzkill). Of these two, just one is averaging 18 or extra factors (in Draymond’s desires).

His title, as you’ll have guessed by now, is Derrick White.

White, who has deservedly turn into a fan favourite round these elements, has a knack for giving the Celtics precisely what they want on the good moments. I’m not calling him Dwyane Wade, however he has a Wade-like pulse for learn how to contribute in essential spots (and White is objectively a greater shooter).

It could be a block, it might be a 3, it might be an help. Regardless of the Celtics want, White is there to supply it. I might argue that he’s probably the most versatile gamers within the NBA.

Clearly, guys like LeBron James, Jayson Tatum, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokic headline that record. However within the second tier, few are extra impactful in quite a lot of methods than White.

When groups key in on Tatum and Jaylen Brown, White is persistently there to make the easy but efficient play.

Let’s break it down ability by ability. The shot-blocking is legitimately wild and separates him from 99 p.c of guards within the league. His timing is impeccable. Offensive gamers nonetheless appear to have no concept it’s coming, which amuses me. Averaging a block a recreation as a middle is tough. Doing in order a guard is insane.

His 3-point capturing is extraordinarily dependable. I’ve bought to present credit score to guys like Anthony Davis and Myles Turner, who persistently step out and bury 3’s. However White has the seventh-most made 3’s per recreation at 3.9, behind solely Anthony Edwards, LaMelo Bell, Tyler Herro, some man named Stephen Curry, Tatum and legend Norm Powell.

Out of these seven gamers, White has by far the fewest turnovers. The ball is in his fingers lower than the vast majority of these gamers, nevertheless it speaks to his poise and playmaking potential. White can play the 1 or the two (even the three as wanted), defends bigs at a excessive stage when requested to and makes life a lot simpler for his teammates.

Attempt to consider a ability that White isn’t good at. You may’t. There isn’t one. The restrict doesn’t exist.

NBC Sports activities Boston broadcaster Drew Carter put it properly Monday evening when he mentioned that White was born to play for the Celtics. Purple Auerbach and Tommy Heinsohn would have liked this man. He actually is the right Celtic, and he additionally occurs to be one of many league’s most versatile gamers.

Do not take him as a right, as a result of Swiss Military knives like this do not come round fairly often.