Celtics teammate of Jayson Tatum shares honest thoughts on how Warriors star changed his life

When you do the right thing in any aspect of your life, you can inspire those around you. For Boston Celtics teammate of Jayson Tatum, Derrick White, there was a moment when a star from the Golden State Warriors changed his life simply by doing what he does best: playing basketball.

When you’re focused on giving your best to achieve your goals, certain things can unfold around you. The impact of your actions, whether good or bad, can lead to something truly inspirational. Draymond Green‘s attitude and approach to the game serve as a perfect example of that.

While Green is known for being one of the most outspoken players, thanks in part to his YouTube podcast, he has also earned a significant place in Warriors‘ history through his contributions to the team’s success. His leadership and understanding of the game ultimately had a profound impact on White.

After the Celtics‘ victory over the Memphis Grizzlies, White spoke to the media about his performance and shared how Green’s influence changed his life. “How I was being guarded during that stage [the 2022 NBA Finals], I mean, it was one of the lowest points. I told Draymond after the Olympics that he kind of changed my life because they weren’t guarding me,” White said.

Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics celebrates after a three point basket against the Dallas Mavericks during the fourth quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.

White’s impact since facing Green in the NBA Finals

Derrick White’s career took a significant turn after he was traded from San Antonio to Boston, marking the beginning of a strong tenure with the Celtics. His pivotal moments against the Warriors in the NBA Finals showcased his growth, particularly the way Green guarded him during that series. Since then, White has become a key player for Boston.

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Over the last three seasons, White has played 221 regular-season games. During this stretch, he’s made significant contributions on the defensive end, recording a total of 919 rebounds, including 757 defensive boards.

White has also excelled in blocking and stealing, tallying 237 blocks (79 per season, 1.07 per game) and 196 steals (65 per season, 0.8 per game). In comparison, during his five seasons with the Spurs, White averaged 0.8 blocks and 0.8 steals per season.

White’s milestone with the Celtics

White reached a personal milestone this season, breaking the Celtics’ record for most three-pointers made in a single season with 247. He’s averaging 3.5 three-pointers per game on 9.1 attempts. These impressive numbers highlight White’s continued improvement, especially after experiencing his first NBA Finals appearance with the Celtics in 2022.