Hoops Tonight - Derrick White on Celtics defying NBA expectations, Tatum/Brown duo, Joe Mazzulla being "different"
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In this episode of Hoops Tonight, host Colin Cowherd sits down with Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, a two-time All-Defensive selection and NBA champion, to discuss the Celtics' surprising resurgence in the 2025-26 season. Despite losing key veterans like Jayson Tatum and Al Horford, the Celtics have defied expectations, becoming a serious title threat. White attributes their success to a strong team culture, relentless rebounding emphasis under head coach Joe Mazzulla, and the development of young role players like Jaden McDaniels and Jaylen Williams. He praises the evolution of the Tatum-Brown duo, dismissing media narratives about their fit, and highlights how their offensive system—centered on spacing, ball movement, and advantage creation—has matured over time. White also reflects on his own skill development, particularly his three-point shooting improvement after the 2024 Finals, and shares insights from his journey from Division II to the NBA, including the transformative year he spent sitting out after transferring to Colorado. He discusses his new podcast, White Noise, and his recent foray into golf, which he’s approaching with a mindset similar to basketball: precision, mental discipline, and consistency. The conversation underscores the importance of culture, adaptability, and mental resilience in sustained NBA success.
The Celtics' success this season stems from a culture of accountability and collective effort, not just star power.
Joe Mazzulla’s emphasis on rebounding and winning margins has transformed the team’s defensive and offensive rebounding stats.
The Tatum-Brown duo thrives because they complement each other’s strengths and prioritize team success over individual stats.
Derrick White’s three-point shooting leap came from refining his shot mechanics, staying in his shot, and building mental confidence.
Sitting out a year after transferring from D2 to D1 was a strategic decision that allowed White to physically and mentally prepare for the NBA.
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Celtics' Unexpected Success & Culture
“The culture is the big one because like don't get me wrong. There have been some guys that have stepped up. You and I were talking before we started recording about Kada and how amazing he's been this year. Just a really impressive development story.”
“The culture is the big one because like don't get me wrong. There have been some guys that have stepped up. You and I were talking before we started recording about Kada and how amazing he's been this year. Just a really impressive development story.”
“I didn't want to leave. I loved it there and loved the coaches, loved the team. And I didn't want to leave, but definitely thought it was probably my best decision. It was scary, but I think it obviously worked out for me.”
“I've always just thought it was like a basketball misconception that's like, oh, there's only one ball kind of thing. It's like, no, we're playing basketball. Like we need help. We all need to do this together.”
Host
Guest
Derrick White
person
Boston Celtics
other
Jayson Tatum
person
Jaylen Brown
person
Joe Mazzulla
person
University of Colorado Colorado Springs
other
University of Colorado
other
Hard Rock Bet
brand
NBA Finals 2024
other
Golf
other
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