San Antonio Spurs: 5 goals for Derrick White’s rookie season

Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) reacts after a play in the second half 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) reacts after a play in the second half 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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Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with guard Tony Parker (9) in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich talks with guard Tony Parker (9) in the second quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

5. Learn

This one seems a little obvious and vague, but it’s the most important thing White can do. He is going to arguably one of the most well-run, and well-coached organizations in the league in the San Antonio Spurs — so much so that long-time NBA veterans have taken pay cuts just to be a part of the culture.

As a young rookie, White should appreciate being a part of that so early in his career, and take advantage of it.

Not only should he learn about what it’s like being on a great team, but there’s a lot he can learn about the game. With Gregg Popovich, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard, there’s a lot of basketball to learn in San Antonio.

Whether Manu Ginobili retires or not, you have to think there’s a chance he’s around to help the rookie, much like Tim Duncan has done this past year. With all these greats close by, White should learn more in his first NBA season than all his previous years combined.