Derrick White’s NBA Career
Derrick White is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Colorado Buffaloes. White was selected by the San Antonio Spurs with the 29th overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.
White made his NBA debut on October 18, 2017, against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He scored 10 points, grabbed 5 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in a 107–99 win. On January 10, 2018, White scored a then career-high 24 points in a 116–109 win over the Memphis Grizzlies. On February 13, 2018, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.
In the 2018–19 season, White became a starter for the Spurs. He averaged 9.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. On January 18, 2019, he scored a career-high 36 points in a 125–118 win over the Chicago Bulls.
In the 2019–20 season, White averaged 11.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. On December 16, 2019, he scored a career-high 37 points in a 131–121 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.
In the 2020–21 season, White averaged 15.4 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game. On February 27, 2021, he was traded to the Boston Celtics in a three-team trade involving the Indiana Pacers.
In the 2021–22 season, White averaged 11.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game for the Celtics. On February 10, 2022, he was traded to the Denver Nuggets in a three-team trade involving the Philadelphia 76ers.
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG |
|—|—|—|—|—|—|
| 2017–18 | San Antonio Spurs | 7.0 | 2.7 | 2.0 | 0.7 |
| 2018–19 | San Antonio Spurs | 9.9 | 3.6 | 3.5 | 1.0 |
| 2019–20 | San Antonio Spurs | 11.3 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 0.9 |
| 2020–21 | San Antonio Spurs | 15.4 | 4.6 | 3.7 | 1.0 |
| 2021–22 | Boston Celtics | 11.0 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 0.8 |
| 2022–23 | Denver Nuggets | 12.5 | 4.0 | 3.6 | 0.9 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
White is a versatile guard who can play both on and off the ball. He is a good shooter, passer, and defender. White is also a hard worker and has a high basketball IQ.
However, White can be inconsistent at times and he is not the most athletic player. He can also be prone to turnovers.
Impact on Teams
White has been a valuable contributor to every team he has played for. He is a good all-around player who can do a little bit of everything. White is also a good teammate and leader.
Derrick White’s Playing Style
Derrick White is known for his versatile and well-rounded playing style. He is a skilled defender, an efficient shooter, and a capable playmaker. His defensive prowess is particularly notable, as he has the ability to guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses with his quick hands and active feet.
Strengths, Derrick white
- Defensive versatility: White can guard multiple positions effectively, from point guards to shooting guards and even small forwards. His quickness, lateral agility, and anticipation allow him to stay in front of his opponents and make it difficult for them to create scoring opportunities.
- Efficient shooting: White is a reliable shooter from both inside and outside the arc. He has a smooth shooting stroke and a quick release, which makes it difficult for defenders to contest his shots. He is also a good free throw shooter, which is important for a guard who often gets to the line.
- Playmaking ability: White is a willing and capable passer who can create scoring opportunities for his teammates. He has good court vision and is able to make quick decisions in transition. He is also a good ball handler, which allows him to penetrate into the paint and create scoring chances for himself and others.
Weaknesses
- Limited athleticism: White is not the most athletic player, which can sometimes limit his ability to create his own shot or finish at the rim. He can also struggle to stay in front of quicker guards on the defensive end.
- Inconsistent shot selection: White can sometimes be too willing to shoot the ball, even when he is not in a good position. This can lead to him taking low-percentage shots and hurting his team’s offensive efficiency.
- Injury history: White has had some injury problems in the past, which have limited his availability at times. He has missed significant time due to injuries to his ankle, knee, and back.
Derrick White’s Future Prospects
Derrick White has established himself as a valuable player in the NBA, and his future prospects are bright. He is a versatile guard who can contribute in a variety of ways, and he is still only 28 years old. White is entering the final year of his contract with the Boston Celtics, and he is expected to be a hot commodity on the free agent market next summer. He could sign a lucrative contract extension with the Celtics, or he could explore other options. Several teams could be interested in acquiring White, including the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat.
White’s future success will depend on several factors, including team fit, coaching, and injury history. He has thrived in a system where he is given the freedom to create his own shot and make plays for others. He will need to find a team that is willing to give him that same freedom. White has also been fortunate to play for some great coaches, including Gregg Popovich and Ime Udoka. He will need to find a coach who can help him continue to develop his game. Finally, White has had some injury problems in the past. He will need to stay healthy in order to reach his full potential.
Despite these challenges, White has the potential to be a star in the NBA. He is a talented player who is still improving. With the right team and coaching, he could become one of the best guards in the league.
Potential Contract Extensions
White is entering the final year of his contract with the Celtics, and he is expected to be a hot commodity on the free agent market next summer. He could sign a lucrative contract extension with the Celtics, or he could explore other options. Several teams could be interested in acquiring White, including the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat.
The Celtics would like to keep White, but they may not be able to afford him. They have several other players who are due for new contracts, including Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. If the Celtics cannot sign White to a contract extension, he will likely sign with another team.
White could sign a contract extension with the Celtics for up to four years and $100 million. This would be a significant raise from his current salary of $17.1 million. However, White may be able to get a better offer from another team. The Lakers, Knicks, and Heat are all reportedly interested in signing White, and they could offer him a more lucrative contract.
Team Destinations
If White does not sign a contract extension with the Celtics, he will likely sign with another team. Several teams could be interested in acquiring White, including the Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, and Miami Heat.
The Lakers are in need of a point guard, and White would be a good fit for their team. He is a good shooter and passer, and he can also play defense. The Lakers would be a good destination for White because they are a contending team.
The Knicks are also in need of a point guard, and White would be a good fit for their team. He is a good shooter and passer, and he can also play defense. The Knicks would be a good destination for White because they are a young team with a lot of potential.
The Heat are in need of a shooting guard, and White would be a good fit for their team. He is a good shooter and defender, and he can also play point guard. The Heat would be a good destination for White because they are a contending team.
Individual Accolades
White has the potential to be a star in the NBA. He is a talented player who is still improving. With the right team and coaching, he could become one of the best guards in the league.
White has already achieved some individual success in the NBA. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 2020. He has also represented the United States in international competition.
White has the potential to achieve even more individual success in the future. He could be named to an All-NBA Team, or he could even win an NBA championship. White has the talent and determination to achieve anything he sets his mind to.