Derrick White had some inspiring words after a memorable playoff performance: "Believe in yourself, never stop working"
Derrick White had the best playoff game of his life on Monday night as he led his Boston Celtics to a 3-1 series lead over the Miami Heat. The 6'4" guard erupted for a career-best 38 points and showed why he is the unsung hero of the Bean Town squad.
From the small town of Parker in Colorado and now under the bright lights of the playoffs, it's been a hell of a ride for Derrick. In his postgame interview, he didn't forget to briefly look back and give inspirational words about his journey.
From Division II to the NBA
Unlike most players today, White didn't start his basketball career on a high note. He had to fight the odds and endure humble beginnings before finally making it to the NBA.
After finishing his senior year, Derrick didn't gain much buzz and recruitment coming out of high school. No universities offered him a Division-I scholarship heading to college, which forced him to ultimately accept the proposal handed by the Division-II program of UCCS. For three seasons, White blossomed as the Mountain Lions' star player, becoming their school's career leader in points and assists.
In 2016, he capitalized on it and took his talents to Division I, joining Tad Boyle's Colorado team. In his one year there, White didn't disappoint. He averaged 18.1 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game en route to being named a first-team All-Pac-12 and All-Defensive team member.
With his promise and potential, White declared his eligibility for the 2017 Draft, in which the San Antonio Spurs selected him as the 29th overall pick. Interestingly, his draft situation drew intrigue around the league, considering the low recruitment he saw entering college, his play for a D-II program, and him becoming the only prospect of his draft class who had to use his first NBA contract to pay off his student loans.
Celtics' X-factor
During his time with San Antonio, White gradually developed and became a reliable player under Gregg Popovich's tutelage. In the middle of the 2021-22 campaign, the C's struck gold by acquiring him in a trade with the Spurs. Since then, the 29-year-old has become an integral part of their contending identity and eventually helped them reach the 2022 NBA Finals.
With his do-it-all approach, White established himself as an essential element of the Celtics and perhaps the best role player in the NBA. He contributed to the team's success and was involved in some of its memorable moments in the past two seasons.
Amid the Celtics' basketball excellence and supremacy, White is the perfect model for how hard work, perseverance, and dedication can reap benefits. And if Boston wants to win it all this season, they would need him to play his best in the series to come.
