Jonathan Hui-USA TODAY Sports
Derrick White Discusses What Makes Good Role Players
On a recent episode of The Old Man and the Three podcast, Derrick White discussed what makes a good role player. This season, the Boston Celtics guard is averaging a career-high 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game.
The former Colorado Buffalo suggested that a good role player is willing to put their ego aside and stay prepared for opportunities.
“Number one, you got to get over yourself. It’s not about you. There’s times where I won’t touch the ball for ten possessions in a row. I just got to be ready to go when I do get my opportunity. So obviously, you’ve got to defend. You got to run in transition. You got to be in the right spot… Just stay ready, stay confident, and then be aggressive when it’s your turn.”
White also expressed that he is more concerned with team success than his individual stats.
“Every time I’m out there, I’m just trying to help us win. I’m not really trying to score 20. I don’t even care if I get ten assists.”
The 29-year-old is gaining traction in NBA All-Star Voting. As of January 4, White ranks eighth in Eastern Conference Guards with over 175,000 fan votes.
Check out the full All-Star voting results here.
Further Reading
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Here's What Stood Out as Celtics Stellar Final Frame Snaps Pacers' Win Streak
Celtics Maximization Fueled by Their Maturation: 'Not Taking Days for Granted'
Brad Stevens Shares What Celtics Are Looking to Add and How He Hopes to Do So
Brad Stevens Says Celtics Have 'Green Light' to Add to Payroll, But Boston Still Restricted
Jaylen Brown Quieting Doubters, Validating What He Always Believed: 'Earn Everybody's Trust'
Joe Mazzulla Discusses Identity, Evolution of Celtics' Offense: 'Balance of Pace and Execution'
Jaylen Brown Shares His View of What Defines 'Celtics Basketball'
