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. Known for his versatility, earning him the nickname "the Buffalo" or "the Swiss Army Knife", White started his college basketball career in Division II at Colorado-Colorado Springs before transferring to Division I's Colorado Buffaloes for his senior year.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2015: Transfer to Division I Colorado

Following his junior season, in 2015, Derrick White transferred to Division I Colorado to play for Tad Boyle in the Pac-12 Conference, elevating his basketball career to a higher level.

2015: NCAA Tournament Appearance

In 2015, Derrick White led the Mountain Lions to the NCAA tournament, after averaging 25.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.2 assists as a junior, marking a significant achievement in his college career.

July 6, 2017: Signed with the San Antonio Spurs

On July 6, 2017, Derrick White officially signed with the San Antonio Spurs, marking his entry into the NBA.

October 18, 2017: NBA Debut

On October 18, 2017, Derrick White made his NBA debut, playing off the bench in a 107–99 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

2017: Invited to NBA Draft Combine

In 2017, Derrick White was among 60 NBA prospects invited to the NBA draft combine. He was unique as he planned to use part of his first NBA contract to pay off student loans.

2017: Drafted by San Antonio Spurs

In 2017, Derrick White was selected 29th overall by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA draft, marking the start of his professional 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 109–93 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 113–92 loss to the Golden State Warriors.

January 10, 2019: Career-High 23 Points

On January 10, 2019, Derrick White scored a then career-high 23 points with eight assists, five rebounds, two steals, and a block in a 154–147 double-overtime victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

August 24, 2019: Included in FIBA World Cup 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: Rookie-Scale Extension

On December 21, 2020, the Spurs announced 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 and finished with 29 points against the Atlanta Hawks.

February 10, 2022: Traded to 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 rights to swap 2028 first-round picks.

February 2022: Traded to Boston Celtics

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

February 10, 2023: Career-High 33 Points

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

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.

April 29, 2024: Playoff Career-High 38 Points

During Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs on April 29, 2024, Derrick White scored a playoff career-high 38 points in a 102–88 road victory against the Miami Heat.

July 1, 2024: Contract Extension with the Celtics

On July 1, 2024, Derrick White signed a four-year, $125.9 million extension with the Celtics, securing his long-term 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 for the Summer Olympics in Paris, replacing Kawhi Leonard.

2024: NBA Championship and Olympic Gold Medal

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

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, setting records as he and Payton Pritchard became the first Celtics teammates to score 40 or more points in the same game.

December 30, 2025: Career-High Seven Blocks

On December 30, 2025, Derrick White recorded a career-high seven blocks in a 129–119 victory over the Utah Jazz, tying the NBA record for most blocks by a guard in a game.

March 3, 2026: Defensive Player of the Month

On March 3, 2026, the NBA announced that Derrick White was named the Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for February, recognizing his defensive contributions.