Thunder Head Coach Makes Stance Clear On Celtics Guard Derrick White
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Prior to the Boston Celtics' defeat of the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault offered up some praise for Celtics guard Derrick White.
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“There are certain guys that get labeled as role players but they execute the role so well that they ascend out of that category. He's one of them… He's one of the elite guys in those roles. He's been a connective tissue for them in terms of the success they've had.”
Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault on Derrick White:
— Justin Turpin (@JustinmTurpin) March 25, 2026
“There are certain guys that get labeled as role players but they execute the role so well that they ascend out of that category. He's one of them… He's one of the elite guys in those roles. He's been a connective tissue for… pic.twitter.com/nzh2HonxYw
This is far from the first time that White has garnered kind words from an opposing head coach. A few weeks ago, Cleveland Cavaliers' Kenny Atkinson labeled White a top-five player in the NBA.
White has delivered another reliable and productive campaign for the Celtics in 2025-26 through 68 games. The veteran guard is averaging 17.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while playing 34.3 minutes and starting every contest. With Jayson Tatum sidelined for much of the season due to an Achilles injury, White stepped into a larger offensive role alongside Jaylen Brown.
He has also provided elite defense (per usual), averaging 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals. Standout moments have included a 34-point performance against the San Antonio Spurs, 28 points with six threes in a February win over the Rockets, and a career-high seven blocks in a December victory against the Jazz. Despite a modest 39.6 percent field-goal mark and 32.5 percent from three, White has shot 90.1 percent from the free-throw line.
As the Celtics push toward the postseason, he continues to impact winning on both ends.
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