Why Celtics Can Thank Spurs For This Derrick White Moment

BOSTON — The Celtics should thank the San Antonio Spurs every single day for giving them Derrick White three years ago.

White emerged as a two-way threat on the court that put together countless clutch moments in the postseason. With the Spurs back in town Wednesday night, the Celtics got a reminder of the journey White took to his excellent play with Boston.

San Antonio’s interim head coach Mitchell Johnson reflected on White’s first G League game with the Austin Spurs. Mitchell, who worked as an assistant on the Austin coaching staff, watched White struggle physically before the start of his rise.

“I believe he broke his wrist that same day in that game,” Johnson told reporters at TD Garden. “He was out for a month and a half. That was the only reason why he finished the G League season with us in Austin because he was out. We won the championship and it was a joke that he was even on the court. He was that good.”

White developed as a young talent with San Antonio and averaged 11.6 points per game across parts of five seasons with the Spurs. When the Celtics trade went down early in 2022, his former coaches knew his best was on the way.

“He was a foundational piece on our team,” Johnson recalled. “One of the better players. … I do think we felt good about him going to a really good situation in Boston. Obviously, it’s been that and more. Derrick is class and he’s a great guy. He has a better sense of humor than I like to give him credit for.”

White’s made the most of every opportunity with the Celtics with two trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship, a pair of All-Defensive selections and a lucrative contract extension. He’s ingrained now in the Boston community to no surprise of those who knew him in his early days as a pro.

“It’s a testament to him and everything he’s done since then,” Johnson said. “He is a stand-up as a man and has a beautiful family now. He’s an absolute star. Everything he’s gotten, he’s deserved.”