White looking forward to Celtics title defense after incredible season

White looking forward to Celtics title defense after incredible season originally appeared in NBC Sports Boston

Celtics guard Derrick White has had tremendous success since arriving in Boston ahead of the 2022 NBA trade deadline, and after winning his first championship last monthhe is already looking forward to defending the title during next season.

White has reached the NBA Finals twice, won a championship and been selected to the All-Defensive Second Team twice in his brief tenure with the Celtics.

The 2023-24 team, however, was unique. Not only did they win the franchise’s record 18th title, but the group vibe and chemistry was fantastic. It made the game even more fun.

“It was a lot of fun, a lot of laughs, a lot of jokes, everyone getting along,” White told Chris Forsberg on NBC Sports Boston’s Celtics Talk Podcast.

“I feel like we didn’t have any issues at any point and then on the court you can see how well we played and how unselfish it was every time and everyone just wanted the next person to be successful. I’m on a team like this, it’s special, I’m looking forward to coming back. I know this season is over, but I’m looking forward to another race.

Celtics Talk: Derrick White on his contract extension, bringing back the core group and that viral Celtics hat | Listen and subscribe | Watch on youtube

White will stay in Boston for an extended period after signing a four-year extension worth $125.9 million with the Celtics last week. The agreement begins in the 2025-26 campaign. The extension was completed quickly and White is grateful for it.

“Like I said all along – I loved Boston and I was hopeful and very grateful that everything happened very quickly and I didn’t have to answer questions about everything (next) season,” White said. . “It was really easy. I just wanted to be there and they wanted me there. So it worked out.”

Not only did White sign an extension, but so did Jayson Tatum. The star of C signed the richest contract in league history – a five-year supermax deal worth $315 million.

If you look at the 11 players who played the most minutes per game for the Celtics last season, all 11 are returning for their title defense. It’s rare to see a team win a championship and bring back its 10 or 11 best players.

But it’s clear the Celtics know they have a great group that works well together on and off the court. If you can keep this up for another year, it’s definitely worth doing.

“It’s exciting,” White said when asked about the return of most of the team. “I think everyone knows how well we get along and enjoy playing with each other. So I think it’s going to be a lot of fun.”

Also in this episode:

• Derrick talks about his viral Celtics hat moment

• Where Derrick White would take the Larry O’Brien Trophy if he had it for a day

• Derrick Details ‘Special’ Experience Bringing Dad to Fenway Park and Championship Parade

• 1-on-1 with Payton Pritchard at Team USA practice in Las Vegas

• Interaction with Jayson Tatum at Team USA training