The Boston Celtics remain one of the most high-profile franchises in the NBA—and also one of the most polarizing. As always, they attract both massive fan support and vocal critics. One of their central figures, Jayson Tatum, is currently sidelined by injury, leaving Jaylen Brown to take the lead alongside Derrick White, who could be one of the team’s biggest surprises heading into the upcoming NBA season.
While White is known for his high-impact style of play, his demeanor off the court is strikingly different. The Celtics guard is widely regarded as calm, composed, and soft-spoken—so much so that he’s one of the few active NBA players to have never received a technical foul. White doesn’t engage in trash talk, shows little aggression, and avoids any behavior that could be interpreted as unsportsmanlike.
In the latest episode of his “White Noise” podcast, White shared that his clean record has become a lighthearted topic among his teammates, including Tatum. “Early in my career, I was like, ‘I’ll never get one,’” White said. “But then the last couple of years, I feel like I’ve gotten closer and closer.”
“There are guys on the team that have been giving me hell about not having a tech, too,” White added. “JT told me he doesn’t respect me until I get a technical. I’m not against it, but I’m not going to go out of my way to get one.”
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.
Across 10,872 career minutes, White has never been ejected or called for a single technical foul—an increasingly rare distinction. Among current players, only Malcolm Brogdon and Mike Conley have played over 13,000 minutes without receiving a technical. Historically, names like Walt Frazier and Otto Porter Jr. also appear on that short list.
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Tatum’s “lack of respect” is, of course, just locker room banter. He has publicly praised White numerous times, calling him one of the most vital pieces of the Celtics’ system—both as a teammate and a professional. White’s skillset and discipline have made him indispensable to the franchise’s recent success.
As for the Celtics, all eyes are on Tatum’s recovery. The star forward underwent surgery less than 24 hours after sustaining his injury, and early signs suggest he could be on an accelerated path back to the court. While initial projections ruled him out for the entire 2025–26 NBA season, recent progress points to a potential return late in the campaign.
The Celtics are moving forward with cautious optimism. In the meantime, the responsibility falls on players like Brown and White to keep the momentum going as Boston aims to stay in contention—and get their leader back for the stretch run.
