Derrick White Says He’s Expanding His Game for 2025: “I Want to Get My Payton Pritchard Bag Up”

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has always been known for his defense, court awareness, and clutch moments. But heading into the 2025 NBA season, the 30-year-old veteran has his sights set on evolution—specifically, adding a new dimension to his offensive game inspired by teammate Payton Pritchard.

Speaking candidly during a recent interview at a Celtics training facility, White opened up about what he’s working on this offseason, his chemistry with Pritchard, and how he plans to elevate his role in Boston’s system in the coming year.

“I want to get my Payton Pritchard bag up,” White said with a grin. “That little stepback, quick-trigger pull-up, just that confident shooter’s mindset—that’s something I admire and want to implement more.”

It’s a statement that caught many by surprise. White, a member of the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Team and one of the Celtics’ most consistent players during their 2024 title run, is often viewed as a steady hand rather than a flashy offensive weapon. But his admiration for Pritchard’s “bag”—a term that encompasses a player’s offensive toolkit—is a clear signal: Derrick White is ready to grow again.

Becoming More Than a Glue Guy

In recent seasons, White has embraced his role as a do-it-all guard. He defends at an elite level, knocks down threes at a respectable clip, and serves as a crucial secondary playmaker. But in a league increasingly defined by offensive dynamism and shot creation, White knows that further expanding his arsenal could unlock another level—not just for himself, but for Boston’s entire offense.

“I’ve always been the guy that fits in,” White said. “Whatever you need—defense, spacing, playmaking—I’ll do it. But now I’m looking to take a more proactive role, especially when Jayson [Tatum] and Jaylen [Brown] are off the floor.”

That’s where Pritchard’s game comes in.

“Payton’s got that shiftiness, the pull-up from anywhere, and the confidence to take the big shot,” White continued. “I’m watching how he creates space and uses screens. It’s efficient, and I want to steal some of that.”

The Pritchard Effect

Payton Pritchard, entering his fifth NBA season, has carved out a reputation as one of the league’s most fearless undersized guards. Despite being just 6’1″, Pritchard is a relentless shot-creator who can heat up in an instant. His quick release, deep range, and crafty footwork make him a nightmare in second-unit matchups—and increasingly, he’s earned trust in closing lineups.

During the Celtics’ 2024 playoff run, Pritchard provided several momentum-shifting performances, hitting crucial threes and keeping defenses honest when stars were double-teamed. White was often on the floor with him and paid close attention.

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘Damn, he really pulled that?’” White laughed. “But then it goes in and you’re like, ‘Alright, respect.’ That confidence is contagious.”

Pritchard, when told about White’s comments, responded with appreciation.

“That’s love. D-White is one of the smartest players I’ve ever played with. If he adds more sauce to his offense? Scary hours,” Pritchard said.

Offseason Grind Mode

White’s offseason routine is already underway in full swing. He’s working with Celtics assistant coaches and personal trainers to focus on:

• Quick-trigger shooting: Improving catch-and-shoot consistency and getting his release off faster.

• Stepback mechanics: Learning to create space with the bounce, particularly on isolation plays and late-clock situations.

• Pick-and-roll scoring reads: Becoming more decisive in attacking drop coverages with floaters or pull-ups.

• Off-ball relocation drills: Studying how shooters like Steph Curry and yes, Payton Pritchard, find space off screens.

“It’s about subtle changes,” White said. “I’m not trying to become Kyrie overnight. But if I can hit two more tough shots a game or break the defense down in crunch time, that’s huge.”

White shot 39.6% from three last season, a career-best mark, but most of those attempts came from spot-up opportunities. This year, the goal is to increase his volume and comfort in self-created looks.

“I want to be a threat from the jump, not just someone who capitalizes off the system,” he said. “I want to manipulate the system a little bit myself.”

Celtics’ Big Picture

With Marcus Smart gone and Jrue Holiday entering the latter stages of his career, White’s value to the Celtics only continues to rise. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game last season—rare numbers for a guard—and often took the toughest perimeter defensive assignment.

Now, head coach Joe Mazzulla is giving White even more responsibility. “We want Derrick to take the next step offensively,” Mazzulla told reporters in July. “He’s already one of the best defenders in the league, but we think he can lead second units and close games as an even more dynamic scorer.”

Team president Brad Stevens echoed that sentiment, noting that White’s basketball IQ and work ethic make him the ideal candidate to take on more.

“Derrick studies film like a coach,” Stevens said. “If he says he wants to expand his bag, I don’t doubt for a second that he’ll do it.”

A Motivated Mindset

White, never one to be flashy or overly vocal, admits this growth phase is also about confidence.

“I used to defer a lot, maybe too much,” he said. “But I’ve been through the battles. I’ve hit game-winners. I’ve guarded MVPs. Now it’s like—why not me?”

It’s that mindset shift that has teammates and fans excited. If Derrick White can combine his elite defense and high-IQ play with an enhanced offensive skill set, he could become one of the most complete guards in the league.

“We’re not just trying to make the playoffs,” White emphasized. “We’re trying to win it all—again. And I want to be one of the guys who makes that happen.”

Fan Reactions and League Attention

Celtics fans were quick to react to White’s “Payton Pritchard bag” quote on social media, with many praising the camaraderie and mutual respect between the two guards.

“Love that D-White wants to add PP’s sauce to his game. Iron sharpening iron!” one fan wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Analysts around the league are also intrigued. ESPN’s Zach Lowe mentioned White as a potential “Most Improved Player” candidate despite his veteran status, simply because of how much more he can add to an already strong foundation.

“He’s never really had the green light to just go,” Lowe said on The Lowe Post. “But if the Celtics empower him a little more this season, watch out.”

Derrick White has never been the flashiest name on the Celtics’ roster. But he’s always been essential. Now, with the 2025 NBA season on the horizon, he’s aiming for more than just consistency—he’s aiming for impact.

“I see guys like Payton putting pressure on defenses, making big plays, taking big shots,” White said. “And I’m like—yeah, I need some of that. I need that bag.”

If his offseason work matches his mindset, Derrick White may just emerge as Boston’s next two-way star—not just the glue guy, but the guy who helps seal another championship.

And yes, his bag—Payton Pritchard-inspired or not—is about to get a whole lot deeper.