Boston Celtics star Derrick White is known for his cool-headedness both on the court and off, but even he couldn’t hold back a smile when he learned his rating for NBA 2K26. The two-way guard, a key piece of the Celtics’ 2024 championship run, was given an 87 overall rating in the latest installment of the popular basketball video game, a slight dip from his career-high 88 overall in NBA 2K25. Despite the one-point drop, White’s reaction was one of contentment and humility, as shared on a recent episode of his White Noise podcast.
Speaking with his cohost and friend Welsh, White opened up about his NBA 2K26 rating, acknowledging the buzz that player ratings generate among fans and athletes alike. “Everybody’s always upset about their 2K rating, I’ll be the one that’s not upset about it,” White said with a grin, per a clip shared by Kicks on X. “Not bad, I’ll take it.” Reflecting on his early career, the 31-year-old admitted he used to get frustrated comparing his ratings to others, saying, “I remember, early in my career, I was frustrated by it. ‘They think he’s better than me?!’ I’m sure there are people doing the same thing to me now.” His grounded perspective highlights his growth from a late first-round pick to a cornerstone of Boston’s roster.
White’s NBA 2K26 rating reflects his stellar 2024-25 season, where he showcased elite defense and clutch offensive contributions. With a 2-Way Inside-Out Combo Guard Build, White boasts an exceptional 98 Close Shot Rating and 17 badges, including six at the Gold level, cementing his reputation as a versatile threat. His defensive prowess earned him a spot among the game’s top perimeter defenders, ranking seventh with a 91 rating, trailing only players like Luguentz Dort and Alex Caruso.
Despite his contentment with the 87 overall, some analysts and fans argue it undersells his impact. Yahoo Sports called White “Boston’s most reliable two-way guard,” suggesting he deserves a rating in the low 90s, especially with Jayson Tatum sidelined for the 2025-26 season due to a torn Achilles and key teammates like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis traded. “He is the glue of this team, and in 2K26, he’s treated like a role player instead of the new leader,” the outlet noted.
White, however, remains unfazed by the debate. On White Noise, he expressed appreciation for being part of the NBA 2K franchise, noting the coolness of having his likeness scanned for the game. “2K? I probably won’t play it,” he admitted candidly. “But it’s just really cool to be part of the game—to have your own character that you didn’t create yourself.”
As the Celtics navigate a challenging season without Tatum, White’s role as a leader alongside Jaylen Brown will be critical. His NBA 2K26 rating, while not perfect in the eyes of some, is a testament to his steady rise as one of the league’s premier two-way guards. Fans on X, buzzing with hashtags like #DerrickWhite and #Celtics, have praised his humble reaction, with one user writing, “Derrick White smiling about his 87 just shows why we love him—class act on and off the court.”
With NBA 2K26 set to release on September 5, White’s smile and laid-back attitude are sure to resonate with gamers and Celtics faithful alike. As he prepares for a pivotal season, the Buffalo continues to prove that his value—both in real life and in the virtual world—goes far beyond a number.
