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Derrick White on Signing Extension with Celtics: 'I Love Being Here in Boston'
After the press conference for Jaylen Brown signing the most lucrative contract in the NBA's history, Joe Mazzulla told Inside The Celtics that when it comes to maximizing the trio of Jayson Tatum, Kristaps Porzingis, and Brown, "You obviously are gonna do some different things to adhere to your roster on both ends of the floor, but at the end of the day, the principles remain the same."
Boston's bench boss also confirmed Derrick White will step into Marcus Smart's role as starting point guard. The former's coming off a career campaign, averaging 12.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and nearly a steal and a block per game. He also only committed 1.2 turnovers per contest and drilled 38.1 percent of the 4.8 threes he hoisted.
The former Colorado Buffalo, who started in 70 games and played all 82 in the regular season, also earned a spot on the NBA's All-Defensive Second Team.
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
In an appearance on ESPN's NBA Today, White, whose salary is $17.6 million for 2023-24 and $18.8 million for 2024-25, said of signing an extension with the Celtics, "I love being here in Boston. It'd be cool to get an extension."
There's an opportunity from the end of September until the start of the upcoming season to get that done. To which White expressed, "We'll see what happens during that window. But I've loved my time in Boston so far. And my focus right now is just on the season."
And as the 29-year-old combo guard transitions to operating primarily as the Celtics' floor general, he told host Malika Andrews he doesn't anticipate that shift being a big adjustment.
"I'll just have the ball in my hands more, which I've done, pretty much, most of my career. So, just getting back to that and getting the guys in the right spot. Obviously, with JT, JB, Porzingis now, I've got a lot of talented guys around me, that makes my job pretty easy."
Further Reading
Free-Agent Sharpshooter Reportedly Receives Offer from Celtics
As Celtics Fill Out Roster, Lakers Make Intriguing Option Available
After Jaylen Brown's Extension, Could Celtics Complete Blockbuster Deal for Damian Lillard?
Jaylen Brown Doesn't Want Celtics' Defensive Identity to 'Go Out the Door' With Marcus Smart
Jaylen Brown Wants Record-Setting Contract with Celtics to Spark Revolutionary Goals
Why Celtics Should Enter 2023-24 Season Optimistic About Most Important Area of Improvement
Sam Cassell Discusses What Brought Him Back to Boston and What He'll Bring to the Celtics
Oshae Brissett on Joining Celtics: 'I Just Want to Go Win'
Marcus Smart Reflects on His Time with Celtics: 'I Left Everything I Had'
