Derrick White

 

Derrick Richard White (born July 2, 1994), nicknamed “The Buffalo” and “The Swiss Army Knife,” is an American professional basketball player for the Boston Celtics of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Standing 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) and weighing 190 pounds (86 kg), White plays point guard and shooting guard. He played three years of Division II college basketball for the Colorado-Colorado Springs Mountain Lions before transferring to Division I’s Colorado Buffaloes for his senior season. White was selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the 2017 NBA Draft. He was traded to the Celtics in February 2022 and won his first NBA championship in 2024. White is a two-time NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection (2023, 2024) and represented Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics, winning a gold medal.

 

Early Life 

 

High School Career

 

White was born and raised in Parker, Colorado, and attended Legend High School. Despite a strong high school career, he was lightly recruited and unable to catch the attention of Division I programs. He was placed on the B-team during eighth grade but remained determined, confident that a late growth spurt, like his father experienced, would improve his prospects.

 

College Career

 

Colorado-Colorado Springs (2012–2016)

 

With no Division I offers, White attended the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs (UCCS), a Division II program. Over three seasons, White developed into one of Division II’s premier players, starting every game and becoming the school’s all-time leader in both points and assists. In 2015, he led UCCS to the NCAA Division II Tournament. White paid his tuition as a freshman using student loans, later stating he would use part of his first NBA contract to pay them off.

 

Colorado (2016–2017)

 

Following his junior season, White transferred to Division I Colorado to play for coach Tad Boyle and test himself in the Pac-12 Conference. After sitting out the 2015-16 season per NCAA transfer rules, White excelled in his lone season with the Buffaloes, averaging 18.1 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game. He was named First Team All-Pac-12 and to the All-Defensive Team. White was one of only 15 players invited to the 2017 NBA Draft Combine who had not been a Rivals’ top-150 high school prospect, and one of only three who did not sign with Division I programs out of high school.

 

NBA Career

 

San Antonio Spurs (2017–2022)

 

White was selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs on June 22, 2017. In a video of the moment he received the phone call from coach Gregg Popovich, White’s overwhelmed astonishment and pride were evident. He spent time in the G League during his rookie season, helping the Austin Spurs win the 2018 G League Championship.

 

White gradually earned playing time and confidence under Popovich’s mentorship. Popovich later stated, “When he first came here, I don’t think he believed he belonged in the NBA. I couldn’t be more proud of a player.” On April 18, 2019, White scored a playoff career-high 36 points against Denver in Game 4 of the first round. On December 21, 2020, he signed a four-year, $73 million rookie-scale extension.

 

Boston Celtics (2022–present)

 

On February 10, 2022, White was traded to Boston in exchange for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, a 2022 first-round pick (Blake Wesley), and the right to swap 2028 first-round picks. He immediately became a key contributor, helping the Celtics reach the 2022 NBA Finals.

 

In 2022-23, White became a full-time starter for the first time in his career, appearing in all 82 games and starting 70. On February 13, 2023, he was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week after averaging 24.5 points, 7.5 assists, and 4.8 rebounds while filling in for injured Marcus Smart. He scored a career-high 33 points against Charlotte on February 10, 2023.

 

On May 27, 2023, White made perhaps the most memorable play of his career, a buzzer-beating putback shot to defeat Miami 104-103 in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, saving the Celtics from elimination and forcing Game 7.

 

White earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in both 2023 and 2024. On June 17, 2024, he won his first NBA championship when Boston defeated Dallas 4-1 in the Finals. 

 

International Career

Derrick White’s international career is highlighted by his success with Team USA. In the 2024 Paris Olympics, he was selected as an injury replacement for Kawhi Leonard, and he earned an Olympic Gold Medal. He was highly valued for his elite perimeter defense and “connector” playstyle. 

Prior to his Olympic success, he also featured in the 2019 FIBA World Cup, where he appeared in all eight games. Recognized internationally as a premier “role star” whose defensive versatility and IQ help star-heavy rosters win.

References

 

External Links

* Derrick White on NBA.com

* Derrick White on Basketball-Reference.com