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 known as "The Buffalo" or “The Swiss Army Knife”. White played college basketball at the Division II level for Colorado–Colorado Springs for three years 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 Derrick White opted to transfer to Division I Colorado to play for Tad Boyle and test his skills in the Pac-12 Conference.

2015: NCAA Tournament and All-American Honors

In 2015, as a junior, Derrick White led the Mountain Lions to the NCAA tournament, averaging impressive stats. He was subsequently named an All-American, marking a high point 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, solidifying 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 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking the beginning of his NBA career.

2017: NBA Draft Combine Invitation

In 2017, Derrick White was invited to the NBA draft combine as one of 60 NBA prospects, highlighting his journey from a non-Rivals top-150 prospect to a potential NBA player.

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 14 Points

On March 12, 2018, 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 loss to the Golden State Warriors, marking his first appearance in the NBA postseason.

January 10, 2019: Career-High 23 Points

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

August 24, 2019: Included in US National Team Roster

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

December 21, 2020: Rookie-Scale Extension with Spurs

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

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

On April 1, 2021, Derrick White achieved a career-high by hitting seven three-pointers against the Atlanta Hawks. He finished the game with 29 points in a double-overtime loss.

February 10, 2022: Traded to Boston Celtics

On February 10, 2022, Derrick White was traded to the Boston Celtics, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

February 2022: Traded to the Boston Celtics

In February 2022, Derrick White was traded to the Boston Celtics. He became a key player, contributing to their journey to 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 victory against the Charlotte Hornets, showcasing his offensive capabilities.

March 18, 2024: First Career Triple-Double

On March 18, 2024, Derrick White achieved his first career triple-double, recording 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, during Game 4 of the first round of the playoffs against the Miami Heat, Derrick White scored a playoff career-high of 38 points, contributing significantly to a road victory.

July 1, 2024: Contract 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: Selected for US Olympic Basketball Team

On July 10, 2024, Derrick White was chosen to join the 2024 United States men's Olympic basketball team as a replacement for Kawhi Leonard, paving the way for his participation in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

2024: NBA Championship and Olympic Gold Medal

In 2024, Derrick White won his first NBA championship with the Celtics' victory over the Dallas Mavericks. He also secured a gold medal as part of the U.S. Olympic team, marking a year of significant achievements.

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. White 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 had 27 points and a career-high seven blocks in a victory over the Utah Jazz. His seven blocks tied for the most recorded in a game by a guard in NBA history.

2028: Future Draft Pick Implications

As part of the trade to the Celtics on February 10, 2022, the Spurs gained the right to swap 2028 first-round picks with the Celtics, adding a future element to the transaction.