Derrick White is an NBA champion and has earned a new contract. And during his trip home to Colorado, the Boston Celtics guard has felt the afterglow of his recent achievements.
White said he has become a more recognizable face everywhere he goes, as people are eager to extend their congratulations for reaching the mountain top of the NBA. His youth basketball camp has also served as a reflection of being one of the top two-way guards in the league.
As kids flooded the Parker Fieldhouse on Tuesday afternoon, White was quick to point out that this year’s camp had the biggest turnout compared to the previous four years.
“It’s crazy to me because I grew up coaching at (former Nuggets guard) Chauncey Billups’ camps and he had turnouts like this,” White said.
Before being immortalized in NBA history, White had to take the long road to achieve his dreams, as he played Division II basketball before starring for the Buffs. And though the past month has been filled with a whirlwind of emotions, it’s a reminder of how he trusted the process.
“I’m super thankful. All the wins and losses (have made it) worth it,” said White, who signed a four-year, $125.9 million deal that was made official on July 6.
Growing up in Parker, White was just like any hoop kid who had aspirations of hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy like some of the all-time greats. But he thought those dreams would never become his reality.
“I didn’t think I would be in the NBA,” White said.
After scoring over 1,000 career points at Legend High School, White didn’t receive a full scholarship from a four-year institution nor did he have a star next to his name, as he was forced to take a partial scholarship at the University of Colorado-Colorado Springs.
While playing for the Mountain Lions, White’s love for the sport never faltered. He kept his head down and grinded. White, who spent three years with the Mountain Lions, averaged 25.8 points during his junior season, opening the door for him to transfer to Colorado, where he was named first-team All-Pac-12 before the Spurs took him with the 29th pick in the NBA draft.
Last month, he watched former Colorado stars Cody Williams and Tristan da Silva follow in his footsteps, as they were drafted in the first round. Williams was selected 10th overall by the Utah Jazz while the Orlando Magic drafted da Silva at No. 18.
Guard KJ Simpson was taken in the second round by the Charlotte Hornets.
“They’ve worked so hard, especially KJ and Tristan,” White said. “I’ve seen their progression over the years and I think they all got drafted to a great spot.”
Seven years after White entered the NBA, he stood on the hardwood floor inside TD Garden after he had collected 14 points and eight rebounds to help the Celtics defeat Dallas in Game 5, securing the franchise’s 18th title and first since 2008.
As a rookie, White just wanted to gain respect from his peers in the league and show that he belonged. Now, he has the best of both worlds.
“That’s been the best part. The stars respect what I do,” he said.
White is not tired of being asked about his underdog journey. He understands that it’s an arc in his story that continues to trend in the right direction. White just hopes the kids who attended his camp and others across the world are motivated by his path to stardom.
“The more people that can hear about that (is important),” White said. “Every story is different, and obviously my story is pretty crazy.”
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