Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Derrick White

How Derrick White built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Derrick White is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. He gained the nickname "the Buffalo." White played college basketball for three years at the Division II level for the Colorado–Colorado Springs Mountain Lions before transferring to Division I's Colorado Buffaloes for his final year.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 6, 2017: Signed with the San Antonio Spurs

On July 6, 2017, Derrick White officially signed with the San Antonio Spurs, beginning his professional NBA career.

October 18, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Derrick White made his NBA debut, coming off the bench in a victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, though he didn't record any statistics.

2017: Drafted by the San Antonio Spurs

In 2017, Derrick White was selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft, marking a significant milestone in his basketball career.

March 12, 2018: Career-High 14 Points

On March 12, 2018, Derrick White scored a career-high 14 points, along with four rebounds, an assist, and a block, in a loss to the Houston Rockets.

April 14, 2018: NBA Playoffs Debut

On April 14, 2018, Derrick White made his NBA playoffs debut, contributing seven points, an assist, a steal, and a block in a loss to the Golden State Warriors.

January 10, 2019: Career-High 23 Points

On January 10, 2019, Derrick White scored a career-high 23 points, along with eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block, in a double-overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

August 24, 2019: US National Team Roster

On August 24, 2019, Derrick White was included in the US national team's final roster for the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup, marking his participation in international competition.

December 21, 2020: Signed Rookie-Scale Extension

On December 21, 2020, the Spurs announced that they had signed Derrick White to a reported four-year, $73 million rookie-scale extension, securing his future with the team.

April 1, 2021: Career-High Seven 3-Pointers

On April 1, 2021, Derrick White hit a career-high seven three-pointers against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing the double-overtime loss with 29 points.

February 10, 2022: Traded to the Boston Celtics

On February 10, 2022, Derrick White was traded to the Boston Celtics in exchange for Josh Richardson, Romeo Langford, a 2022 first-round pick, and the rights to swap 2028 first-round picks. This marked a significant change in his NBA career.

February 2022: Traded to the Boston Celtics

In February 2022, Derrick White was traded to the Boston Celtics, where he became a key contributor to their team, helping them reach the NBA Finals in the same year.

February 10, 2023: Career-High 33 Points

On February 10, 2023, Derrick White scored a career-high 33 points against the Charlotte Hornets, marking a new personal best.

February 2023: Legend Hall of Fame Inductee

In February 2023, Derrick White was honored as the first-ever Legend Hall of Fame inductee, marking a significant achievement.

March 18, 2024: First Career Triple-Double

On March 18, 2024, Derrick White recorded his first career triple-double with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists in a victory over the Detroit Pistons.

April 29, 2024: Playoff Career-High 38 Points

On April 29, 2024, Derrick White had a playoff career-high 38 points, along with four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks, in a road victory against the Miami Heat during Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs.

July 1, 2024: Signed Extension with Celtics

On July 1, 2024, Derrick White signed a four-year, $125.9 million extension with the Celtics, securing his future with the team.

July 10, 2024: Named to Olympic Basketball Team

On July 10, 2024, Derrick White was chosen as a member of the 2024 United States men's Olympic basketball team as part of the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris after Kawhi Leonard withdrew from the roster.

2024: NBA Championship and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2024, Derrick White won his first NBA championship with the Boston Celtics after they defeated the Dallas Mavericks in the NBA Finals. He also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic team in 2024.

March 5, 2025: Career-High 41 Points

On March 5, 2025, Derrick White scored a career-high 41 points in a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, also achieving other records alongside teammate Payton Pritchard.