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

By Simon Shortt

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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Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) defends against Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) in the first half at Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) defends against Oregon Ducks guard Tyler Dorsey (5) in the first half at Coors Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Work on defense

As I mentioned, White will have to do a lot of work to become a good NBA defender. His average wingspan and foot speed limit what he can do naturally, so his development will come exclusively from putting in the work. Luckily for him, there are plenty of things he can do to become a solid defender.

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Again, he can improve his strength. While that doesn’t really help him on the perimeter in today’s game, it’ll make it harder for people to score on him in the post. Whether it is off of a post up or drive, good strength will make it harder for his opponents to finish. The added strength would also make him more versatile defensively.

Like we saw with James Harden in the playoffs, to hide his defensive deficiencies on the perimeter the Houston Rockets utilized his strength and low center of gravity to defend in the post.

Another thing White will need to do to work on his defense is improve his footwork. Learning when and how to move his feet will help make up for his lack of speed. If he can anticipate the ball handlers movements, and get to that spot efficiently, it’s almost just as good as beating him there with speed.

Lastly, White will need to watch film. A lot. If he really studies not only his opponents, but knows where he is supposed to be defensively in every situation, he will be set up for success.

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