What he’s being asked to do
Because of a number of roster changes and injuries, Boston is shifting more offensive responsibility onto Derrick White. Specifically:
Step up as a primary or “1A” scorer — with Jaylen Brown and Tatum out (Tatum likely missing the 2025-26 season), White is expected to take a much larger scoring load.
Improve offensively with assertiveness — not just efficient supporting buckets, but actively creating offense, especially in key moments, taking more shots, more playmaking.
Become the kind of go-to guy that the Celtics have been missing when other star options are unavailable. The team has lost Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porziņģis, Al Horford, etc., and with Tatum likely out, that leaves gaps. White is expected to help fill those gaps.
Reach new scoring heights — there are expectations he could push his scoring averages up into the 20s per game, take more field goal attempts, more 3-pointers, perhaps even become the “first option” in some games.
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Why now
This shift is happening because of a confluence of factors:
1. Roster departures: Several of Boston’s creators/role players who took burdens off Brown & Tatum are gone.
2. Tatum’s injury: With Tatum out (Achilles), the team is forced to reallocate offensive leadership.
3. White’s development and contract: White re-signed a large extension, showing the team believes in him. His past playoff performances also suggest he’s capable of stepping up.
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What the Celtics have “wanted for years”
What commentators mean by “what the Celtics have wanted for years”:
A reliable third star or co-star who can shoulder scoring when either or both of Brown/Tatum are neutralized or unavailable. White has been filling in more in recent seasons, but never fully entrusted with the kind of volume and centrality he now is.
A more balanced offense that still performs when the “top” guys are defended heavily, or are injured. Boston often had deep talent, but there was less offensive redundancy: too much depended on Tatum/Brown. Having someone like White who can reliably produce under pressure has been a gap.
Also, more consistent bench/secondary scoring. White has never been purely bench — he’s starter/major rotation — but the move is toward having options: when the defense clamps down on your star(s), White can create space, hit shots, be that safety valve.
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Upside & Risks
Upside:
If White blossoms in this role, it gives Boston credibility and depth when stars are hurt or off nights. It preserves competitiveness.
More defensive flexibility: White is strong on defense, so if he can maintain or elevate offense without giving up too much on the other end, the Celtics get big value.
It could help unlock more open looks for others as well, since defenses will need to respect him more. That in turn helps spacing, etc.
Risks / Challenges:
Consistency: stepping from secondary to primary role means not just occasional bursts (like big playoff nights) but producing night in, night out. That’s harder.
Efficiency: More shots means more risk of forced shots, turnovers, or less efficient scoring, especially if defenses key him.
Physical load and adaptation: More minutes, more offensive duties might lead to fatigue or expose weaknesses that weren’t as visible in supporting roles.
Pressure: Expectation will be higher. Mistakes will be scrutinized more, and if he doesn
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