Advertisement

Confidence in his game the key factor driving early season excellence for Derrick White

Boston Celtics combo guard Derrick White has looked considerably more at ease playing for the Celtics this season after having had time to get to know his new team since the trade at the 2022 deadline. That comfort level is showing up in his box scores.

So far this season, the Colorado native’s scoring is up a full 2 points per game, and almost all of his counting stats are rising as well. His shooting has improved, too, particularly from 3-point range. White’s efficiency from deep has risen from 30.6% to a sizzling 50%.

While that number will likely subside, the confidence and familiarity driving it likely will not.

“I’ve been feeling comfortable this whole training camp, this whole preseason, these first couple games,” explained (via CLNS) the Colorado State alumnus after Saturday’s win over the Orlando Magic.

“I think the big thing this summer was just confidence for me, and that’s what I was focusing on and doing a lot of different things to get back that way,” he added.

Now tasked with less ball-moving responsibilities after the arrival of Malcolm Brogdon this offseason, White can focus on other aspects of his game in Boston with a new level of familiarity.

And so far, the payoff has been huge.

Listen to the “Celtics Lab” podcast on:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3zBKQY6

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3GfUPFi

YouTube: https://bit.ly/3F9DvjQ

Related

How can new Boston Celtics point guard Malcolm Brogdon help the team this season?

How will the East standings shake out by the end of the 2022-23 season?

What are the Boston Celtics' and Golden State Warriors' title outlooks?

The Boston Celtics are taking ball movement to a new level with Malcolm Brogdon on the team

Is star Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum taking another leap?

Celtics Lab 148: Getting to know Paolo Banchero and other high-impact 2022-23 rookies with Cody Taylor

List

Celtics land six players in Washington Post's top 100 for 2022-23

List

NBA, Celtics Twitter react to Boston's 126-120 grinding victory over Orlando

List

Two Boston Celtics big men make HoopsHype's top 2023 free agents

List

Celtics, NBA Twitter react to Boston's 111-104 road win over the Miami Heat

Story originally appeared on Celtics Wire