Derrick White didn’t have the simplest touchdown with the Celtics when he arrived in Boston final season.
Traded from the Spurs in mid-February, White needed to instantly combine himself, on the fly, right into a Celtics workforce that was discovering its second-half stride. He was admittedly tentative, not desirous to step on toes. He ultimately grew to become snug sufficient to discover a position because the C’s superior to the NBA Finals, however that total transition was troublesome.
Three months later, although, with the advantage of an offseason to catch his breath and now beginning his first coaching camp with the Celtics, White is in a greater place.
“Last year I was running around the whole time and trying to play catch up,” White mentioned Thursday after the third day of Celtics coaching camp. “This year I feel much more settled in, I know everybody, everybody knows me.”
As he prepares for his first full season with the Celtics, it’s not completely clear but what White’s position could also be. With the addition of Malcolm Brogdon this offseason, the C’s instantly have a loaded backcourt that additionally consists of Marcus Smart and Payton Pritchard.
White will possible see a dip in taking part in time because of this, however he’ll nonetheless be counted on as an affect participant off the bench. In addition to his energy as a defender, he clearly has a need to enhance his exterior taking pictures. White shot simply 30.6% from 3 in 26 regular-season video games with the C’s earlier than taking pictures 31.3% within the playoffs. That was a spotlight for him this offseason, as he made some changes to his shot.
“Just going back to the basics, I would say,” White mentioned. Trying to work on simply not being flat, utilizing my legs and stuff like that. So simply attempt to keep within the health club, be constant … even once I’m drained. And it feels good. …
“Being here, I know that I’m going to be able to get some good looks so I got to be able to knock them down.”
White mentioned he hasn’t heard something about rotations or his position this season but as new coach Joe Mazzulla figures out what works for this group. He’s embracing Brogdon being a part of the combo, and with out Rob Williams for the opening months of the season, there could also be some experimenting with extra guard-heavy lineups. White, as he did final season, will modify when wanted as he tries to make use of his versatile ability set to bolster the C’s.
“Nobody has told me anything but I’m sure that will evolve over the season and whenever my name is called or anyone’s name is called, going to be ready to go,” White mentioned.
Source: www.bostonherald.com