Derrick White Poised to Lead Celtics Without Tatum

Derrick White, now a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics, recalled the emotional experience of being traded from the San Antonio Spurs to Boston at the 2022 NBA trade deadline, especially as his wife was seven months pregnant at the time. Initially unsettled by the abrupt change, White appreciated learning about the trade directly from coach Gregg Popovich. He quickly became a key contributor and was instrumental in the Celtics' 2024 NBA Championship run. With star Jayson Tatum set to be sidelined for the upcoming season, White is expected to take on an even greater leadership role. He expressed gratitude for former teammates like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, acknowledging their impact on his growth and the team's success. White's journey highlights the personal challenges behind NBA trades and his adaptability as a Celtics mainstay.