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Derrick White Primed for All-Star Breakout as Tatum’s Injury Opens Door

BOSTON – The Boston Celtics may be down a superstar, but opportunity knocks for Derrick White. Following Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury sustained during the 2024-25 playoffs, ESPN analysts are predicting a breakout season for the Celtics’ shooting guard, projecting him to earn his first All-Star selection alongside teammate Jaylen Brown.

The increased offensive role for White was immediately evident in the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, where he poured in 25 points with four assists and three rebounds in just 23 minutes. Despite White’s impressive performance, the Celtics fell short, losing to the Sixers 117-116.

“Brown and White on the wing… they both could be All-Stars this season,” the ESPN article stated. The sentiment is echoed by NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor, who pointed to White’s track record of excelling when Tatum is sidelined. “He will get many more of those nights to start this season while Tatum recovers from a torn Achilles and plenty more when he’s on the floor without Brown,” O’Connor said. He previously cited White’s career-high 41-point performance last season when Tatum was resting as evidence of his potential.

Stats back up the prediction. Last year, with Tatum on the bench, White averaged 21.6 points and 6.5 assists per 75 possessions. Those numbers jumped to 22.4 points and 7.4 assists per 75 possessions when both Tatum and Brown were off the court.

White has been a consistent presence for Boston, starting 70 or more games in each of his three seasons with the team, averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.0 rebounds per game since arriving in 2021-22.

The Celtics will look to rebound from their opening-night loss when they face the New York Knicks on Friday at 7:30 p.m. ET in an Eastern Conference Semifinal rematch.

Other Celtics News: Joe Mazzulla has sent a clear message regarding the Knicks recruiting him, while Jaylen Brown’s status was confirmed ahead of the season opener and Brown recently made a major announcement.

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