Joe Mazzulla Addressed Derrick White's Shooting Slump
The Boston Celtics head coach voiced regret over the technical adjustments that hindered White's performance.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Basketball
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Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla expressed regret regarding Derrick White's shooting struggles during the 2025-26 season. White attributed the slump to unnecessary technical adjustments made to his shooting mechanics.
Why it matters
The decline in White's 3-point accuracy impacted his overall offensive efficiency and confidence on the court. To address the issue, the organization utilized internal mental performance staff to help the guard navigate the slump.
Derrick White shot 32.7% from 3-point range in the 2025-26 season, marking a significant decrease from his 38.4% performance in 2024-25. This followed his career-best 39.6% shooting clip recorded during the 2023-24 campaign.
The players
Joe Mazzulla
Joe Mazzulla serves as the head coach of the Boston Celtics.
Derrick White
Derrick White is a professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics.
The details
White acknowledged that he made unnecessary tweaks to his shooting form that ultimately disrupted his rhythm and focus. Joe Mazzulla noted his regret over the situation, highlighting that the team relies on mental performance resources to support players during challenging stretches of play.
Timeline
2023-24 season: Derrick White achieved a career-best 39.6% shooting percentage.
2024-25 season: Derrick White recorded 38.4% shooting from 3-point range.
2025-26 season: Derrick White experienced a notable shooting slump.
2026-27 season: This year marks the upcoming regular season for the Boston Celtics.
Season Trajectory
This decline contrasts sharply with the high-efficiency standards established during the 2023-24 Boston Celtics championship season. Maintaining consistent shooting from core starters remains critical for the team's ability to remain atop the Eastern Conference standings.
White's shooting percentage drop to 32.7% impacts the team's floor spacing and overall offensive rating entering the new season. Fantasy managers should monitor whether his mechanics have reverted to the form that produced his 39.6% shooting peak.
The takeaway
Focusing on natural mechanics rather than over-adjusting is a key lesson for athletes facing performance plateaus. Trusting established routines can help players regain their rhythm and confidence during the grind of an 82-game season.
Further reading
For more on the team's roster, visit Boston Basketball.
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