A 12 months in the past round this time, Derrick White was simply making an attempt to regulate after being traded to Boston. Now the Celtics guard is attaining milestones on an almost every day foundation.
On Monday, White was named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week, marking the primary time in his six-year profession he’s obtained the weekly award. It got here after a profession week by which he averaged 24.5 factors, 7.8 assists and 1.3 blocks per sport, main the Celtics to a 4-0 week that featured wins over the 76ers and Grizzlies. White was instrumental in overcoming the absences of Jaylen Brown, Marcus Smart and Malcolm Brogdon, who every missed time.
White’s spotlight of the week got here in Friday’s win over the Hornets, when he erupted for a career-high 33 factors on a career-best eight 3-pointers (together with seven within the first half) within the 127-116 win. The efficiency got here on the one-year anniversary of his commerce to the Celtics and illustrated how far he’s come taking pictures the ball. White shot 17-for-33 from lengthy vary over the 4 video games and is now taking pictures a career-best 39.3% from deep this season after remaking his shot within the offseason.
There was some criticism of the White commerce final February that despatched out Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford and a protected first-round decide to the Spurs. White struggled at instances final season in his transition however has turn into a vital part of the Celtics’ championship pursuit this season. He’s the one member of the C’s who has performed in all 57 video games this season and has delivered on each ends when wanted. He ranks second within the NBA in blocks by guards with 53.
White grew to become the fifteenth participant in Celtics historical past to win Eastern Conference Player of the Week and the second this season. He joined Jayson Tatum, who received the award in October.
Source: www.bostonherald.com