Inspiration
Derrick White has never made an NBA All-Star team, but the Boston Celtics point guard doesn't care. Throughout his playing career, he's kept the same focus - "just trying to help us win." For someone whose journey is
unlike that of any other NBA player, simply being on the team is reason enough to remain humble and grateful.
In 8th grade, White was cut from the MS team. As a 5'6" 90 pound freshman at a new high school, he made the varsity. By the time he was a senior, he had grown to 6' tall and 150 pounds, a stature that most coaches said was was too small to play in college. One school, DII UC-Colorado Springs, offered him a preferred walk-on spot. Having grown to 6'4" as a freshman, the plan was to redshirt, but a combination of stellar play and injuries to starters led to White becoming a freshman starter. After starring for three years, he transferred to Colorado and took his redshirt year. Another outstanding season led the San Antonio Spurs to select him in the first round of the 2017 draft. He paid off his student loans with first NBA paycheck. While bouncing between the Spurs and their G League affiliate, his continued growth as a player translated into an established role. Two years ago, the Spurs traded him to Boston, where White is now the starting point guard.
Derrick White is the epitome of a role player, in the best sense of the word. As JJ Reddick puts it, everyone is a role player. In White's case, he is what
Geno Auriemma calls a superstar role player. He understands who he is as a player and possesses a constant desire to get better. In his words, "You fit in where you can get in." According to him, role players have to get over themselves, be prepared for their opportunity, and then play with confidence and aggression when the time comes.
White's teammates describe him as someone who wants to be great for his team. This stems from his growth mindset, as evidenced by this quote: "It's a lot of hard work. Shout out (to) UCCS for giving me the keys
as a freshman. (I) made a lot of mistakes there, which helped me grow
and learn a lot. So, I think from that moment when they gave me the keys
as a freshman, (it) allowed me to just continue to gain confidence,
learn, (and) grow. And I think that's what I'm probably most proud of is
I never stopped learning and growing."
In addition to being a great teammate, he's a great person. He genuinely cares about people, and his best friend says that he is, "just a good dude." His gratitude for his opportunities shines through. With the Celtics on the verge of winning their 18th NBA championship, Derrick White will surely play a pivotal role, but it won't change his approach or who he is as a person.
