NBA Sixth Man of the Year: Derrick White, Boston Celtics
Derrick White was a starter for the Boston Celtics for much of last season and emerged as one of the team’s most important players in the postseason. However, with Jrue Holiday coming over via trade from the Portland Trail Blazers, White is going to enter a sixth-man role for the Celtics this season. This is a role that he’s excelled in previously in Boston and will likely be able to seamlessly transition back. Building off his performance in last year’s playoffs, there’s hope that White could have his best season to date.
Even if that comes in a reserve role, he could once again emerge as a valuable weapon for the Celtics this season. If that does end up being the case, it would be surprising if he wasn’t a contender to win the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award.
White is one of the most underrated two-way guards in the game and it’s often forgotten that he’s still just 29 years old. White will need to play a big role for the Celtics off the bench, after depleting their depth in the trades for Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. There’s a good chance he answers the call in a big way.