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San Antonio Spurs: 5 reasons Derrick White was a good pick

By Simon Shortt

Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) after the game against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) after the game against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Bryce Peters (23) and forward Wesley Gordon (1) and guard Thomas Akyazili (0) and guard Derrick White (21) and forward Lucas Siewert (25) celebrate the win over the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Musketeers 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Bryce Peters (23) and forward Wesley Gordon (1) and guard Thomas Akyazili (0) and guard Derrick White (21) and forward Lucas Siewert (25) celebrate the win over the Xavier Musketeers at the Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Musketeers 68-66. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Upside

Upside is not really a word you attribute to a 23-year-old rookie, but White is a different case. He played just the lone season at the D-I level this year after transferring. For him to step on the court for the first time and fill up the stat sheet the way he did in one year, it gives a similar feel as a successful 19-year-old freshman might.

White’s potential is not just measured by how he can improve his game, but also what playing for the Spurs can do for him. White is not the most athletic player on the court, and he does not have superb length.

But it was thanks to his basketball IQ that he averaged 1.4 blocks and 1.2 steals per game in spite of that. He also was able to get to the basket for looks at the rim, despite not being the fastest or bounciest player on the court. For a player who thrives off of awareness and good basketball instincts to join the San Antonio Spurs, it’s almost just not fair.

White is going to learn a ton playing for this team. He is also going to be put into position to score, defend well and create for others. Constantly being put in position to succeed will eventually allow White to put himself in those positions, thus making him a better player.

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