Jeff Goodman: Derrick White was ideal pickup for Celtics

Regardless of what many predicted, the Boston Celtics had been amongst if not probably the most lively crew on the NBA trade deadline. Workforce President Brad Stevens swung a collection of offers, the most important of which concerned the acquisition of guard Derrick White from San Antonio.

To accumulate White, the Celtics shipped Josh Richardson and Romeo Langford to San Antonio along with their 2022 first-round choose (top-4 protected), and a choose swap in 2028.

On the most recent version of the Bob Ryan & Jeff Goodman podcast on CLNS Media, Goodman says the hefty price ticket was nicely value it to reel in a participant of White’s caliber.

“I completely love this commerce as a result of I believe it provides the Celtics every part they haven’t had,” Goodman mentioned. “A ball mover, a high-IQ participant, a man that doesn’t care about his personal quantity, a man that’s all about profitable. The appropriate issues.”

By way of two video games as a Celtic, White has helped the crew go 3-1, together with a sweep of the Nuggets, Hawks, and 76ers. White is taking part in heavy minutes and shutting out video games with Boston’s core, together with a beginning spot whereas Marcus Good recovers from an ankle sprain. Along with serving to now, White can be underneath contract for 3 seasons after 2022, giving the Celtics some long-term stability as nicely.

“What number of big-time free brokers have the Celtics ever attracted?” Goodman requested. “I believe Brad Stevens knew, you possibly can attempt to play this lottery sport on the finish of the 12 months, and roll the cube. However you’re not going to do it, so what can I do to enhance this crew now? That’s what I’ve performed with Derrick White.”

Goodman additionally sees White as the right match alongside Boston’s finest younger gamers. He permits them to have an elite defensive lineup on the courtroom always.

“Now you’ve got a man that may play with Marcus Good,” Goodman informed Ryan. “You don’t should play big-man ball and attempt to put Robert Williams and Al Horford collectively. You go White, Good, Jaylen, Tatum, Robert Williams. It’s an elite-level defensive crew and Derrick White is aware of the right way to play. He makes nice choices.”

And most significantly, White helps the crew this season. As Goodman famous, the C’s are surging. With how nicely they’ve been taking part in, in addition to the addition of White, they’ve a severe likelihood to make some noise come playoff time.

“I believe Derrick White’s a man that simply suits in nicely with what the Celtics want,” Goodman mentioned. “They’re not there but, however I believe for those who’re Brad Stevens, you’re it, ‘we’re in that sixth spot, if we draw Cleveland, if we keep away from Milwaukee – we’ve bought an opportunity now.’”