Derrick White just completed one of the most improbable journeys in modern NBA history, cementing himself as a Boston Celtics legend with a career-defining 2023-24 season. The 6’4″ guard – nicknamed “the Buffalo” – added an NBA championship ring and Olympic gold medal to his resume while securing a $125.9 million contract extension this summer.
From Zero Offers to NBA Hero
White’s path began as a 6-foot high school graduate with no Division I scholarship offers. After three dominant seasons at Division II Colorado-Colorado Springs (where he still holds school records), he transferred to Colorado for one explosive D1 season averaging 18/4/4. The Spurs drafted him 29th overall in 2017 – a pick now considered one of the decade’s biggest steals.
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Since joining Boston in 2022, White has become synonymous with winning:
- Scored 38 points in Game 4 of 2024 first-round playoffs vs Miami
- Hit series-clinching three-pointer against Pacers in ECF
- Averaged 15/5/4 while shooting career-best 39.6% from deep
- Recorded first career triple-double (22/10/10) in March 2024
$126 Million Payday & Olympic Glory
The Celtics rewarded White’s two-way dominance with a four-year max extension this July. Days later, he replaced Kawhi Leonard on Team USA’s Olympic roster, helping secure gold in Paris with lockdown defense. His career arc reached new heights when Colorado State fans ironically cheered him during a September 2024 football game – days after his Hall of Fame induction at Legend High School.
