For the Boston Celtics this season, Derrick White must start.
Derrick White, an All-Defensive, has been slightly overshadowed by the summer signing of Jrue Holiday, an All-Star, All-Defensive, and former champion, but his preseason performances have helped him make a case for why he should start for the Boston Celtics in the coming season.
Why should the Boston Celtics start White in the starting lineup?
There have been many standout players for the Boston Celtics during the preseason, including Payton Pritchard showcasing the value of his contract extension, newcomer Kristaps Porzingis dropping dunks and making consistent three-pointers, and Dalano Banton displaying his aggressiveness when driving to the basket, but one name hasn’t received enough attention.
During his two preseason games against the Philadelphia 76ers, White has displayed tremendous play on both ends of the court, most notably his defensive contributions in their second encounter. White recorded an amazing stat line in that game, including 11 points, three rebounds, four assists, three blocks, and one steal in just 17 minutes of play. This performance makes a compelling case for why White deserves a starting position and demonstrates why he was named to the All-Defensive second team after an outstanding 2022–23 season.
Derrick White gets another one!
… and then knocks down the triple on the other end 😲 https://t.co/c8x3BUAycn pic.twitter.com/L92zBb0JWB
— NBA (@NBA) October 11, 2023
The three blocks White managed to get during the game were the most noteworthy statistic, but after last season, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as the guard finished the 2022–23 season as the joint-highest in total blocks, which is unbelievably incredible for a guard who stands six feet four.
Derrick White has 3 blocks and the first half isn't even over
— Celtics on NBC Sports Boston (@NBCSCeltics) October 12, 2023
Do the Boston Celtics sit Jrue Holiday or Al Horford if Derrick White starts?
Who should start for the Celtics in 2019 has been a topic of debate ever since the summer’s signing of fellow All-Defensive guard Holiday. Holiday has a good case for starting, but if White is to join the starting five, the question of whether Holiday or Al Horford should move to the bench emerges.
Of course, how you line up depends on your opponent. Some may want Horford and Porzingis in a double-big combination, while others will want Holiday and White in a small-ball lineup. Given that Holiday is a star player for the Celtics, no fan will want to see him consistently benched.
Two all-defensive guards. One backcourt. pic.twitter.com/7L2tgtkc2u
— StatMuse (@statmuse) October 1, 2023
White was happy to see Holiday arrive in Boston, despite the fact that his starting position is threatened by the arrival of Holiday. When questioned about the deal at media day, he said the following.
Naturally, it was major news; adding Jrue Holiday will benefit our squad greatly. Since he has accomplished so much over his career and is a champion, why would you add him? I was very happy.
Horford is adored by all Celtics supporters, and despite being 37 years old, he still seems to be playing at the top of his game. As was already mentioned, a double-big lineup with both Horford and Porzingis is essential when the opposition has a potent frontcourt. Yes, White should receive regular starting minutes, but neither player needs to suffer as a result.
Holiday and Horford both recognize that winning a championship is the main objective this year, and I’m sure everyone on the Celtics roster is aware of how deep the skill pool is. As a result, this season’s success will depend on rotation and possibly missing out on a starting position periodically. Even if they are given less beginning minutes than
Coach Mazzulla on what he saw out of the Horford-Porzingis double-big lineup: “Size, ability to defend, and then on the offensive end, a ton of spacing.”
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) October 9, 2023
I get that giving either Holiday or Horford a bench role seems almost sacrilegious, but with the depth of talent on this Celtics squad, rotating out certain great players occasionally is inevitable. A good problem to have is having too many players deserving of a spot in the starting five. Joe Mazzulla will have to deal with this “problem” each time he chooses his starting lineups.
I believe White has definitely made a solid case for himself to be considered for the starting lineup at the start of the next season. The starting five conundrum that resulted from the Holiday trade has been one worth reflecting on.
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