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Former NBA All-Star Reveals Which Celtics Player Has 'Perfect Role'

Former Memphis Grizzlies star Gilbert Arenas recently spoke on the Boston Celtics
Matt Guzman|
Feb 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) talk before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
Feb 12, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) and forward Jayson Tatum (0) talk before a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images | Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

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Memphis GrizzliesBoston Celtics

The Boston Celtics are up against the wall in the second round against the New York Knicks, largely due to poor shooting from their two stars.

With Game 3 — on the road — on the horizon, they have plenty to clean up. Coming in handy could end up being one of the team's role players.

Former Memphis Grizzlies star Gibert Arenas made clear his stance on that.

"He carved out a perfect role," Arenas said of Derrick White. "He has the same job as everybody else. He can take whatever shot he wants."

This season, White has averaged 16.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists two stocks as one of Boston's top-producing role players. So far in the series, he's notched just under 40 points, 20 rebounds and four blocks.

"He gets to go out there and play free, and as the ... fifth option?" Arenas said. "If he decides he wants to shoot 40 points worth of shots, nobody is going to look at him. That's a helluva role."

White and the Celtics are in a hole, but with a chance to steal a game from the Knicks on the road, they could earn back some of the momentum — especially if White has himself another strong game.

Tipoff of Game 3 at Madison Square Garden is set for 3:30 p.m. EST Saturday afternoon.

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Matt Guzman
MATT GUZMAN

Matt Guzman is a sports journalist and storyteller from Austin, Texas. He serves as a credentialed reporter and site manager for San Antonio Spurs On SI and a staff writer for multiple collegiate sites in the same network. In the world of professional sports, he is a firm believer that athletes are people, too, and intends to tell stories of players and teams’ true, behind-the-scenes character that otherwise would not be seen through strong narrative writing, hooking ledes and passionate words.

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