Arrived in February 2022 at the Celtics, Derrick White had never missed a match due to injury in his new colors. If in November, the former Spurs full-back missed three matches, it was to stay with his wife after the birth of their second child. This time, for the arrival of the Spurs, Derrick White was not in uniform. Blame it on a small sprain.
“He’s afraid of us!” » chambered him Gregg Popovich before the meeting. “He’s not playing tonight. He will stay seated. I had things planned for him. They were going to destroy him, and he chose to sit still. »
An example of success through work
Three weeks ago, this same Gregg Popovich shared his pride in seeing Derrick White flourish at the Celtics, even to the point of being one of the players who could experience their first All-Star selection in a month.
“I’m so happy for him. I love this kid” continued, more seriously, the San Antonio coach. “We are always in touch, and it is one of the best examples of success through work. He gave his all. He accumulated playing time and gained confidence over the years, and it never stopped. He has improved every year, whether it be shooting or understanding the pick-and-roll. It just exploded! »
In San Antonio, his former teammates actually take him as an example. “He makes us proud” assures Keldon Johnson. “He’s someone I looked up to when I was younger. We love seeing him flourish. »
For Derrick White, this success was born from the trust of his coaches, from high school to the NBA. And he thanks Gregg Popovich again. “It probably took a lot longer than people think, but the fact that Pop always believed in me and always supported me was decisive,” concludes the leader/back. “Now I know that I have my place in this championship and that I know what I can do there.”
