As players return to the court at the start of every NBA season, we learn about the work they put in behind the scenes over the offseason. And after one of the worst seasons Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White has had in terms of offensive efficiency (his worst since his first season with the Celtics at just 32.7 percent from 3, and his worst overall, as in since he joined the NBA, at 39.4 percent), word that the University of Colorado - Boulder alum has been working on his shot has to be heartening for Boston fans to hear.
But what exactly that entailed remained in the dark to everyone save people on Boston's (or Derrick's) payroll. At least, until no, that is. RG Dot Org senior reporter Mark Medina recently caught up with White's trainer for nearly the last two decades, Marcus Mason, to learn more about how White rebuilt his shot this summer. "With his shooting, there are two parts to it," said Mason. "One is the technical side of shooting. We went back to the drawing board and started talking about some of the smaller, mechanical things to help him become more consistent with his shooting technique and shooting profile."
"The second piece was repetition," he added. "He would have his regular workouts with me. That was more on his shooting technique. Then he would come back at night and shoot on his own with the gun. He was able to track a lot of numbers over the summer. He shot roughly 70 percent or 72 percent over the summer. A lot of those shots were from 3. So there was shooting technique."
"Then we made sure we cleaned up some of the focus-point areas," said Mason. "Then it was about getting the reps in." And, of course, the actual technical changes made to improve his shot. "It’s two-part," he explained.
"One thing is having great balance," said Mason. "The balance on his shot is very important. I would say his extension on his shot is also important. It’s about creating good arc through extending his arms up. Then it’s about being consistent with his follow-through." And what does the best version of that shot look like?
"It’s two-part. One thing is having great balance. The balance on his shot is very important. I would say his extension on his shot is also important. It’s about creating good arc through extending his arms up. Then it’s about being consistent with his follow-through."
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Derrick White trainer on how he fixed shot for Boston Celtics season ahead