The Boston Celtics have greatky benefitted from having point guard Derrick White on the roster since he was dealt to the Celtics from the San Antonio Spurs in the middle of the 2021-22 NBA regular season. And it is not just what the University of Colorado – Boulder alum has brought to the table on both ends of the court, but what he adds off of it as well that has helped vault Boston back into the conversation as a dangerous postseason ball club in recent weeks.
White has served as a mentor of sorts to the Celtics’ youth movement the front office brough on or elevated into new roles after the exits of Al Horford, Luke Kornet, Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis via trade or free agency this past offseason. The Colorado native opened up about how he tries to leverage his own experience to aid their development ahead of Boston’s 119-115 victory over the Miami Heat on Friday (Jan. 15), admitting that the influx of younger players has caused him to change his leadership style “a little bit.”
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“I just try to be there for them, support them, help them through whatever they might need,” explained the Celtics guard via CLNS Media.
Jan 15, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) dribbles the ball past Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson (9) during the second half at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images
“It’s a journey,” said White. “There’s going to be some really high highs and some tough lows. And so that’s really just what I’m there, is just trying to encourage them, support them.”
“And we’ve got a lot of guys that are doing a lot of great things for us. And so it’s just really fun to see their day-to-day work show up on the big stage.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Derrick White embracing larger leadership role for younger Celtics teammates