Derrick White’s Key Stat Quells Any Concerns
Derrick White, a key player for the Boston Celtics, has experienced a challenging start to the season. In the initial five games, his shooting performance has raised concerns, particularly with the absence of Jayson Tatum and other significant players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. Despite these difficulties, there are indicators that point toward a potential turnaround.
Derrick White’s Current Struggles
Currently, White is averaging 17.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.4 assists. However, his shooting percentage stands at a disappointing 31.1% from the field and 25.0% from three-point range. He leads the league with an average of 11.2 attempts from beyond the arc per game.
Shot Quality Insights
While White’s numbers seem alarming, they don’t reflect the quality of his shots. Over the first five games, he has taken 56 three-point attempts, with 46 classified as open or wide open, according to NBA.com. This means that in 25 instances, defenders have been 4-6 feet away, and in 21 instances, they have been more than six feet away. Despite these advantageous conditions, White has managed to convert only 12 of these shots, resulting in a conversion rate of 26.1%.
Comparative Performance
- Previous Season’s Performance: In the prior season, White shot 38.1% on similar open and wide-open attempts, successfully making 239 out of 627 shots.
- Current Season’s Attempts: He is currently attempting about 11.2 three-point shots per game, significantly impacting the team’s offensive dynamics.
Even with his struggle to find rhythm, the Celtics maintain the seventh-best offensive rating (118.2) in the league, which highlights how crucial White’s performance is to their success. His scoring capabilities and shooting efficiency will be vital for the Celtics to keep their offensive rating high.
Looking Ahead
The Celtics clearly need Derrick White to revert to his previous form for their offense to remain competitive. While the current slump is concerning, the evidence of his past performance provides hope for fans and the coaching staff alike. With an impressive track record, there is strong confidence that White will regain his shooting touch sooner rather than later.
