The Boston Celtics were not able to advance in the playoffs. They blew a 3-1 lead to the 76ers, so they are now sitting at home. One of the reasons why they fell to Philly was the fact that Jayson Tatum was not available for Game 7.
Tatum was incredible for most of the series and played like the best player. However, Derrick White and his poor shooting were another reason why Boston didn’t advance. His outside shooting was poor, as he shot just 27 percent from beyond the 3-point arc.
Despite the poor shooting, he still received an honor from his peers. He was named the most underrated player in the NBA.
GettyBoston Celtics guard Derrick White dribbles the ball in a game against the 76ers. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Celtics Guard Derrick White Named Most Underrated Player in the NBA
According to an anonymous poll put out by The Athletic, White is the most underrated player in the league. He received four percent of the vote, which tied him with Jalen Johnson for the lead. Several players voted in the poll, so it’s a pretty good sample size.
Players think his value to the Celtics is much higher than most of the NBA gives him credit for.
“To me, he’s one of the most important players in the league,” one player who voted for White said. “Just doing it on both ends. I didn’t know how much he had offensively.”
In the piece, multiple players praised White for what he does both offensively and defensively for the Celtics.
“One of the players who voted for White said: “Everyone is trying to say Jaylen Brown is an MVP candidate. They’re wrong. White has actually been the biggest reason they’re so good this season. He does everything — offense, defense, leadership — for them.”
White was on the Olympic team in 2024 for a reason. His skills at the guard spot make him a valuable player to have on the roster. He has been a borderline All-Star player for the last few years, and other NBA players see his value.
GettyBoston Celtics guard Derrick White drives the ball in a game against the 76ers. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Derrick White Needs to be Better for Boston
White understands that he needs to be better next year in the postseason for the Celtics. He even acknowledged that when they lost Game 7 to the Sixers. The roster might have some serious changes this summer, although this year was an added bonus for them.
This season was supposed to be a gap year with Tatum injured. Instead, they were expected to win the Eastern Conference once Tatum returned. Being eliminated in the first round is a disappointment. Still, White did the best he could to prevent that in the regular season.
Boston is going to have to make some spending choices. They are under the luxury tax this season after trading away Anfernee Simons, but that could change next year. The Celtics might have to spend into the tax if they are going to contend for a title next season.
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