Derrick White explored what makes a strong role player in a recent episode of The Old Man and the Three podcast. The Boston Celtics guard is averaging a career-high 16.5 points, 5.1 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game this season.

According to the former Colorado Buffalo, a good role player is willing to put their ego aside and be ready for opportunities.

“First and foremost, you must get over yourself. It isn’t about you. I won’t touch the ball for ten possessions in a row at times. I just have to be ready to go when the time arises. Obviously, you must defend yourself. You must run while in transition. You must be in the right place… Just stay prepared, confident, and aggressive when it’s your moment.”

White has stated that team success is more important to him than individual stats.

“Every time I go out there, all I want to do is help us win.” I’m not aiming for a perfect score of 20. “I don’t mind if I get ten assists.”

The 29-year-old is making inroads into NBA All-Star voting. With almost 175,000 fan votes as of January 4, White is ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference Guards.