(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Derrick White is beloved by both players and fans of the Boston Celtics.
On Monday night, Jayson Tatum spoke about his teammate and made it clear that he cares deeply about him.
Calling White “valuable,” Tatum said that the Celtics are so “lucky to have him.”
Tatum also commented on White’s absence from ESPN’s recent ranking of the top 100 NBA players.
Jayson Tatum on Derrick White: “He’s a hell of a basketball player. It’s a damn shame they left him off the Top 100.”
They have not forgotten. pic.twitter.com/szcdVzGYVH
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) November 14, 2023
Four Celtics players made the cut for ESPN’s list, which was published right before the season began: Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Jaylen Brown.
There were numerous fans shocked when White wasn’t included.
Last season, White produced an average of 12.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.9 assists.
This year, he’s putting up 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
He has had a few rough games recently, scoring just 4 points over the weekend in a game against the Toronto Raptors and only 3 on Monday against the New York Knicks.
But Tatum said that even on a bad night, White is a crucial part of the team and is essential for Boston’s success.
When Marcus Smart was traded away during the summer, White’s role on the team became even more prominent and he was given many of the responsibilities that Smart once had.
The Celtics have won their last three games and are currently the second-best team in the East with an 8-2 record.
White may have his off nights and might not have earned a spot on ESPN’s list but he is playing his heart out and is valued by everyone on the team.
The post Jayson Tatum Defends Celtics Teammate After Top-100 Snub appeared first on The Cold Wire.