Derrick White told reporters that he might have just played with some of his teammates for the final time just after the Boston Celtics were eliminated from the 2025 NBA Playoffs. He was correct, as two-time NBA champion Jrue Holiday was the first to leave.
The Portland Trail Blazers, who, coincidentally, had Holiday before he was transferred to Boston in 2023, were acquired from the C’s in late June. Less than a year after his arrival, the Celtics won banner No. 18 thanks to the two-time All-Star’s successful effect on Beantown.
Now, Holiday will bring his championship expertise to Portland, which hasn’t hosted an NBA championship in almost half a century. As the Celtics begin an uncertain season, White will have to continue without his fellow guard.
In an interview with the “White Noise Podcast,” White discussed Holiday’s time in Boston and the Celtics’ loss of a key contributor.
“He will undoubtedly be missed,” White said. “A Jrue Holiday is really irreplaceable.”
Together, White and Holiday created what was probably the league’s best defensive backcourt. Both made opposition ball handlers’ lives extremely tough and were named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2024.
They were also excellent on the other side of the ball, but White attributes his high scoring numbers to Holiday’s willingness to occasionally make sacrifices and take a backseat on offense.
White remarked, “Jrue let me be myself.” “Allowed me to do what I do and kind of step into my own.”
Holiday’s sacrifice allowed White to have his finest season ever in the 2024–25 season. Given that the Celtics have already lost Holiday, former starting center Kristaps Porzingis, and 7-footer Luke Kornet this offseason, he will probably need to have another strong season to contend. Finally, Jayson Tatum, a perennial All-Star, has an Achilles injury that will keep him out indefinitely.
It’s safe to conclude that the Celtics’ core for the 2024 title has been dismantled due to the summer roster changes. During Boston’s strong run to a ring, Holiday’s defense, 3-point shooting, and steady leadership were essential.
It’s no secret that White will miss working with the future Hall of Famer, and he is thankful for that.
He grinned and remarked, “Being his teammate was unbelievable.”
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