The Boston Celtics are entering the 2025-26 season with a new look — and a new rotation. After losing Jayson Tatum to injury, trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and watching Al Horford depart in free agency, the 2023-24 champions are in the midst of a major transition.
With the roster reshaped, several Celtics will see their responsibilities evolve. One of the biggest shifts may come for Derrick White, who offered an early glimpse of his new role in Boston’s preseason victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
White posted a double-double with 16 points, 10 assists, three rebounds and two blocks in 27 minutes. With Anfernee Simons and Payton Pritchard both sidelined, White assumed primary point guard duties — and thrived.
While not a traditional floor general, White displayed impressive poise and vision, orchestrating the offense and finding open teammates throughout the night. His 10 assists highlighted his growing versatility and may foreshadow what’s to come this season.
Without Holiday, the Celtics are expected to rely on a combination of White, Simons, Pritchard and Jaylen Brown to handle the ball. White’s combination of defense, shooting and playmaking make him one of the league's most dependable two-way players.
Last season, White posted career highs in scoring and rebounding, averaging 16.4 points and 4.5 rebounds, along with 4.8 assists per game. With an increased role in the offense, that assist number could climb even higher in 2025-26.
If Boston hopes to remain a contender amid roster turnover, White’s evolution from complementary guard to on-court leader could be one of the defining storylines of the season.