Podcast Summary: Celtics Beat Ep. 649

Title: Derrick White is Celtics Most Disappointing Storyline w/ Brian Barrett
Date: November 8, 2025
Host: Adam Kaufman (A)
Co-host: Evan Valenti (B)
Guest: Brian Barrett, The Ringer/Off The Pike (C)

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode provides a ten-game check-in on a struggling Boston Celtics team (4-6 record), focusing on expectations versus reality, the crisis in the frontcourt, the surprising regression of Derrick White, and the bright spot of Jalen Brown’s performance. Hosts Adam Kaufman and Evan Valenti are joined by Brian Barrett of The Ringer to break down key storylines, trade speculations, young player development, and the team’s trajectory in a loaded Eastern Conference.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early-Season Expectations vs. Reality

Timestamps: 04:11–05:49

• Brian Barrett’s expectations: Hoped for overachievement due to team pedigree but sees a disappointing picture now.
  • “I convinced myself they were going to overachieve just based on the guys they had… But it's been disappointing for a couple of reasons.” – Barrett (04:11)
• The Celtics now sit at an awkward crossroads: not tanking hard enough for a top pick, not good enough for a meaningful playoff run.
• Some bright spots—especially Jalen Brown’s return to form and Minot emerging—but not enjoyable to watch overall.

2. Frontcourt & Rebounding Woes

Timestamps: 05:49–08:50

• Everyone agrees the Celtics' big man situation is dire and worse than expected.
• Team is reliant on Nemes Keta, who’s turned from depth option to indispensable:
  • “What would they do...without Nemes Keta? Because if he's not playing, they're kind of dead in the water.” – Valenti (06:23)
• Luca Garza called the “team’s worst minus” and “a liability in so many ways.”
  • “He can't shoot. He can't hit threes. He takes a lot of them, but he's never hit 'em.” – Barrett (08:01)
• The defense collapses without Keta on the floor.
• Minot praised as "a pretty good find."

3. Three-Point Shooting & Offensive Identity

Timestamps: 08:50–12:38

• The team is still shooting a high volume of threes (avg 46/game) but converting at a poor 32%.
• Occasional successes when lowering 3PA and attacking more inside, but lack of consistency.
• Jalen Brown: nearly perfect offensively this season; his consistent, high-level production is the main positive.
• Derrick White’s regression emerges as the key concern (foreshadowing the episode's theme).

4. Derrick White’s Struggles: The Most Disappointing Storyline

Timestamps: 12:38–17:14

• Once the season’s rock, White’s efficiency and reliability have cratered.
  • “Given expectation versus reality, he might be the biggest disappointment for me on this team through 10 games.” – Kaufman (11:53)
• Stats:
  • 149th of 150 in FG% (33.3%)
  • Extreme struggles on wide-open shots (11-for-34; 32.4%)
• Looks lost offensively, despite still contributing playmaking and defense.
  • “This is probably the craziest thing that's happened to the Celtics this season: that this guy just can't shoot.” – Barrett (14:40)
• Comparison with Peyton Pritchard, who has thrived as an elite two-point shooter, driving and finishing at league-best rates.

5. Trade Value & Future Implications of White’s Slump

Timestamps: 17:14–21:40

• Discussion of whether White’s slide is at risk of lowering his trade value (if the Celtics pursue that route).
  • “If this continues, is it actually hurting his trade value?” – Kaufman (18:14)
  • “Yeah, look, it could be.” – Barrett (19:01)
• Potential trade suitors like Houston discussed; their assets could be critical for a retool around Tatum and possibly Brown.
• Emphasis on Boston's need for young, cheap rotation players under the new CBA's financial constraints.
• What's more, White’s fit with Pritchard on court remains questionable from an offensive perspective.

6. Jalen Brown’s Leap and Limitations

Timestamps: 26:11–34:22

• Brown has answered nearly all questions about his ability to be a top option (at least on a bad team):
  • 28 PPG, 54% FG, 37% 3PT—career or near-career highs
  • Assists up, but TOs remain high
  • “He’s finishing at an elite level… all that stuff is back. He's playing at a very, very elite level.” – Barrett (31:56)
• Athleticism has fully returned; finishing at the rim and especially in mid-range praised.
• Some limitations noted: not a true, all-NBA #1 lead guy on a contender—but remarkable strides made in transition and playmaking.
• “Everything that you’ve wanted to see from Jalen, from a creator... all that stuff's gotten better.” – Valenti (34:22)

7. Team Direction: Tank, Tread Water, or Chase Play-In?

Timestamps: 34:22–39:26

• Conversation pivots on whether the Celtics should tank for a shot at a loaded 2025 draft or try to reach the playoffs (Eastern Conference still wide open).
  • “The best result for this team is to end up somewhere in the lottery… or you use that pick to trade for some veteran.” – Barrett (37:11)
• All agree: it’s hard to actively root for losses, even knowing the logic behind it.
• Frustrations with the team’s erratic effort, especially in winnable games (e.g., Utah, New Orleans).

8. Simons Usage & the Bench Rotation Debate

Timestamps: 39:26–43:53

• Debate over Anthony Simons’ fluctuating minutes and his role as one of the few self-creators on the team:
  • “How many guys on the Celtics can actually get their own shot? Jalen Brown, Peyton Pritchard... Simons is the third guy.” – Barrett (43:45)
• Defensive shortcomings are a sticking point for his limited run.
• Importance of showing Simons off, both as a scorer/in-game asset and as trade capital.

9. Positive Development of Young Players

Timestamps: 43:53–46:00

• Minot, Ugo, and Walsh emerging as legitimate contributors.
• Walsh in particular getting a longer look, critical for roster flexibility next year.
• All are giving energy, defensive hustle, and, in Minot’s case, some perimeter shooting.

10. Peyton Pritchard’s Growth as a Driver/Finisher

Timestamps: 46:00–48:26

• Pritchard getting praise for maximizing limited size, becoming the team’s best at creating shots near the rim.
• “I love watching him. He's been, other than Jalen Brown, my favorite guy to watch on this team. He's been so much fun.” – Valenti (47:34)

11. Upcoming Schedule & Predictions

Timestamps: 48:38–49:59

• Celtics face Orlando again, then Philadelphia, then Memphis.
• Barrett and Valenti predict another potential loss to Orlando due to size mismatch.

Notable Quotes / Memorable Moments

• On Derrick White’s regression:
  • “This is probably the craziest thing that's happened to the Celtics this season: that this guy just can’t shoot.” – Barrett (14:40)
  • “If you can't have him performing anywhere close to a level that he did last year...this team truly has no shot at being a playoff team.” – Kaufman (12:38)
• On big-man dependency:
  • “When [Keta]'s off the court you basically have a defense that plays like the 27th best defense in the league… that you're that dependent on Keta right now.” – Barrett (05:49)
• On tanking vs. competing:
  • “The best result for this team is to end up somewhere in the lottery… Whether you make that pick… or you use that pick to trade for some sort of veteran.” – Barrett (37:11)
  • “It's hard… I can't watch a game and cheer for them to lose” – Barrett (36:43)
• On Jalen Brown’s role:
  • “He has shown himself to be a real guy and a lot of people have questioned whether he could really carry a team.” – Valenti (34:22)
  • “It's really difficult for me to critique anything with Jalen. He's been exceptional.” – Barrett (31:56)

Important Timestamps

• Opening, Expectations Set: 04:11
• Frontcourt/Rebounding Meltdown: 05:49
• Derrick White Disappointment fully outlined: 12:38
• Trade Value and Teambuilding (White): 17:14–21:40
• Jalen Brown's Leap: 26:11
• Big Picture: Draft Lottery vs. Playoffs: 34:22
• Anthony Simons/Bench Minutes Debate: 39:26
• Development of Young Players: 43:53
• Pritchard Praise: 46:00
• Upcoming Games & Predictions: 48:38

Tone & Style

The conversation is candid, deeply analytical, and blends frustration with optimism. The hosts and guest display a measured, data-driven approach (not “rage-bait” or clickbait), focusing on granular aspects of play, rotations, and on-court chemistry rather than hot takes.

Final Takeaways

• Derrick White’s decline is the surprise negative headline of the Celtics’ first ten games, triggering trade rumors and raising questions about the team’s ceiling.
• Jalen Brown’s return to form is the brightest development; he's thriving as a lead option, but the supporting cast is not playoff-caliber.
• Boston’s frontcourt/rebounding is, as predicted, catastrophic—far too reliant on Keta and getting nothing from depth bigs.
• Youth movement (Minot, Walsh, Ugo) is a major silver lining, especially with a loaded 2025 draft looming.
• Tension remains between tanking for a top pick versus striving for a playoff spot—no easy answers, but the episode leans toward the value of the lottery.
• The hosts maintain a high standard of discussion, focusing on basketball substance and team-building philosophies rather than stoking fan controversy.

This episode is a must-listen for fans looking to understand the crossroads facing the Celtics this season and the analytics behind the team’s unexpected struggles.