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 is nicknamed "the Buffalo." White began his college basketball career playing three years at the Division II level for Colorado–Colorado Springs before transferring to Division I's Colorado for his senior year.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Transferred to Division I Colorado

Following his junior season in 2015, White transferred to Division I Colorado to play for Tad Boyle, testing his skills in the Pac-12 Conference.

2015: Led Team to NCAA Tournament

In 2015, during his junior season, White led the Mountain Lions to the NCAA tournament, averaging 25.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists.

July 6, 2017: Signed with the San Antonio Spurs

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

October 18, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Derrick White made his NBA debut, coming off the bench in a 107–99 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, though he recorded no statistics.

2017: Invited to NBA Draft Combine

In 2017, Derrick White was one of 60 NBA prospects invited to the NBA draft combine, highlighting his potential and skills for professional basketball.

2017: Drafted by 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 Points

On March 12, 2018, Derrick White scored a career-high 14 points in a 109–93 loss to the Houston Rockets, also recording four rebounds, an assist, and a block.

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 113–92 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

January 10, 2019: Career-High Points Against Thunder

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 154–147 double-overtime victory against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

August 24, 2019: Included in 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.

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 Three-Pointers

On April 1, 2021, Derrick White hit a career-high seven three-pointers against the Atlanta Hawks, finishing the 134–129 double-overtime loss with 29 points.

February 10, 2022: Traded to the 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.

February 2022: Traded to Boston Celtics

In February 2022, Derrick White was traded to the Boston Celtics. He became a key contributor, helping the team reach the 2022 NBA Finals.

February 10, 2023: Career-High Points Against Hornets

On February 10, 2023, Derrick White scored a career-high 33 points against the Charlotte Hornets in a 127–116 victory, showcasing his offensive capabilities.

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 119–94 victory over the Detroit Pistons, marking a significant personal achievement.

April 29, 2024: Playoff Career High Points

On April 29, 2024, during Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat, Derrick White scored a playoff career-high 38 points, with four rebounds, three assists, and three blocks in a 102–88 road victory.

July 1, 2024: Signed Extension with the Celtics

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

July 10, 2024: Chosen for Olympic Basketball Team

On July 10, 2024, Derrick White was chosen as a member of the 2024 United States men's Olympic basketball team, replacing Kawhi Leonard.

2024: NBA Championship and Olympic Gold

In 2024, Derrick White won his first NBA championship with the Boston Celtics and also won a gold medal as a member of the U.S. Olympic team.

March 5, 2025: Career-High 41 Points

On March 5, 2025, Derrick White scored a career-high 41 points in a 128–118 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, while also recording three steals, three rebounds, two assists, and a block.