Celtics 2024 NBA Champion Shooting Guard’s Loyalty to the Team Speaks Volumes
When the Boston Celtics overhauled their roster last offseason, moving on from Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Al Horford for financial flexibility, one name never seriously entered trade discussions: Derrick White. That decision looks smarter by the day, not only because of White’s on-court production, but because of what he represents to the franchise. On the latest episode of his White Noise podcast, White revealed that new teammate Nikola Vucevic jokingly offered him five million dollars for his jersey number. White responded by saying he would never part with the number, citing his connection to Celtics fans.
“Nine is my favorite number,” White said. “My fans know me as number nine.” White went further, emphasizing how much the number and his connection to Celtics fans mean to him. What might initially sound like a minor detail actually reflects something far more significant. In a league defined by constant roster movement and fleeting loyalty, White’s attachment to his role and identity in Boston signals something deeper about his commitment. White does not just play for the Celtics; he fully embraces what it means to be a Celtics player.
That mindset aligns directly with how the organization views him. White is widely regarded as part of Boston’s Big Three alongside Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, and multiple insiders reported last summer that the Celtics shut down trade inquiries involving him. Celtics executive Mike Zarren made it clear at the time: “Those guys are key parts of our team, and we’re lucky to have them here.” The front office’s faith has been validated by White’s performance, as he ranks seventh in the NBA in defensive win shares and fifth in individual defensive rating among players averaging at least 30 minutes per game. With Holiday and Porzingis gone, White has absorbed even more defensive responsibility. That responsibility has increased further since Tatum was sidelined due to a torn Achilles tendon, forcing White to shoulder even more of the team’s two-way burden.
Offensively, White is averaging a career-high 17.2 points per game. While his efficiency has dipped to 39 percent from the field, he has remained candid about it. “Obviously, this year has been kind of crazy and not shooting the way that I wanted to,” White said. “I feel like I’ve done a pretty good job of keeping a positive mindset and doing other things to help the team win.” That quote captures White as a self-aware, accountable, and team-oriented player.
For all intents and purposes, Derrick White is exactly the type of player contenders fight to keep. His production, defensive presence, and leadership are vital. His loyalty, including turning down even a playful five-million-dollar offer to preserve his identity with Celtics fans, reinforces why Boston never seriously considered moving him. In an era defined by constant change, White’s commitment to the Celtics stands out as increasingly rare, and for Boston, that stability may ultimately prove just as valuable as any statistical contribution.
