Can the Celtics’ Derrick White trade gamble pay off in historic fashion against the Heat?

The Boston Celtics have been facing a daunting task in their best-of-seven series against the Miami Heat. Down 3-2 in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Celtics were in need of a hero to help them pull off a potentially historic comeback. Enter Derrick White.

White, who had been the third-best player on the Celtics‘ roster during the regular season, has shone during the Heat series. In Game 5, he led the way for Boston with a game-high 24 points and an impressive 8-of-11 shooting from the field in a 110-97 win. White’s contributions have been crucial in keeping the Celtics‘ hopes alive, and his efficiency has been remarkable. He is currently shooting 51.9% from the field and an impressive 47.9% from 3-point range in the postseason, which is the highest mark out of any remaining player in the postseason (minimum three attempts per game).

This kind of production is a dramatic shift for White, who was benched at points during last year’s postseason run to the NBA Finals. He had failed to confidently deliver offensively against the Warriors, shooting just 32% from the field in the series and only 1-of-10 in Games 5 and 6. However, White has shown that his gains during the regular season in Boston’s system (a career-high 38.1% while shooting over one attempt per game) are no fluke.

White’s emergence as a crucial player for the Celtics comes as no surprise to the team. He was brought in by the front office, led by coach Brad Stevens, as a big gamble last year at the trade deadline. That gamble paid off, leading to impressive returns during a surprise run to the NBA Finals. Now, one year later, White is unlocking the best version of himself and the Celtics have a real chance of making NBA history by using his efficiency and two-way play to comeback against the Heat.

White’s consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments are a big reason why the Celtics have been at their best with him on the floor. However, it is worth noting that coach Joe Mazzulla has gone with Malcolm Brogdon or Marcus Smart in many crunch time spots over White, including Game 2, which probably cost the Celtics the game. Those days are gone now due to Brogdon’s injury, and White has shown his ability to shine as a player who is putting the Celtics one step closer to making history.

As Jaylen Brown said after Game 5: “Big-time player, big-time shots tonight … D-White came ready to play.” White’s aggressiveness and ability to play both offense and defense have been key in helping the Celtics stay alive in the series. His efficiency and productivity have breathed life back into Boston in this series. What is more, he has done so despite the Heat’s defensive schemes, which have aimed to shadow Boston’s stars.

White’s unexpected rise to hero status serves as a reminder of the importance of gambling on long-term continuity with a team’s roster. The Celtics‘ front office took a gamble on White early, and it is paying big dividends now. While there are no guarantees that the Celtics will be able to complete the comeback, White’s contributions have undoubtedly given them a fighting chance.

In conclusion, White’s emergence as an unexpected hero in the Heat series is a testament to the importance of consistency and being prepared to seize opportunities when they arise. It also serves as a reminder of the value of taking calculated risks. The Celtics‘ betting on long-term continuity with their roster by gambling on a player like White early is paying off now. If Boston can complete the comeback, it would be a historic moment for the team, and White will have played a crucial role in that achievement.