Boston Celtics won't have Marcus Smart at their disposal

In the three-team deal that brought Kristaps Porzingis to Boston this summer, the former Celtic with the longest tenure was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies. Although the transaction significantly strengthened Boston's frontcourt, it also created a gaping void at point guard, which the C's hope Derrick White can fill.  

Derrick will serve as our primary point guard, according to coach Joe Mazzulla, according to The Athletic's Jay King on Wednesday. It is by no means unusual for White to start games. In 2022–23, the 29-year-old guard participated in all 82 games, starting 70 of them with Smart.  In comparison to his 28-game performance the season before, White improved in every significant statistical area, averaging 12.4 points, 3.9 assists, 3.6 rebounds, and 0.7 steals. Throughout his time with the Celtics, Smart was a defensive force. However, many would contend that White, who was named to the All-Defensive Second Team, was really Boston's top on-ball defender last season.