Boston Celtics combo guard Derrick White has looked considerably more at ease playing for the Celtics this season after having had time to get to know his new team since the trade at the 2022 deadline. That comfort level is showing up in his box scores.
So far this season, the Colorado native’s scoring is up a full 2 points per game, and almost all of his counting stats are rising as well. His shooting has improved, too, particularly from 3-point range. White’s efficiency from deep has risen from 30.6% to a sizzling 50%.
While that number will likely subside, the confidence and familiarity driving it likely will not.
“I’ve been feeling comfortable this whole training camp, this whole preseason, these first couple games,” explained (via CLNS) the Colorado State alumnus after Saturday’s win over the Orlando Magic.
Should the team be worried about seeing their frontcourt get poached? https://t.co/HfNsazAUBi
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) October 23, 2022
“I think the big thing this summer was just confidence for me, and that’s what I was focusing on and doing a lot of different things to get back that way,” he added.
Now tasked with less ball-moving responsibilities after the arrival of Malcolm Brogdon this offseason, White can focus on other aspects of his game in Boston with a new level of familiarity.
And so far, the payoff has been huge.
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