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2w ago

Derrick White Embraces Underdog Role as Celtics Reset Roster

With Jayson Tatum sidelined and veterans moved to ease tax pressure, Boston faces tempered expectations and outside calls to tank.

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS - JUNE 17: Jaylen Brown #7 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a play 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. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
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9/4/25

Overview

  • On his podcast, White said the coming season will be “definitely…different” after the departures of Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday and Luke Kornet, and he referenced Al Horford in discussing the changes.
  • White endorsed Neemias Queta for an expanded role at center, saying Joe Mazzulla has been preparing him for this opportunity and that the team will “ask a lot out of him.”
  • He added that multiple new additions are already in Boston working ahead of training camp, with recent arrivals including Anfernee Simons, Hugo Gonzalez, Luka Garza and Josh Minott.
  • Analysts now project a step back for Boston with Tatum out, and a Yahoo Sports personality urged the team to tank for a lottery pick rather than chase a low playoff seed.
  • The reset follows cost-cutting moves under stricter luxury-tax rules, including trading Porzingis to the Hawks and Holiday to the Trail Blazers and parting with frontcourt depth.