Richard White on the Celtics hoisting the Banner 18 and the All-Star selections
The father of Derrick White discusses his son’s outstanding season thus far and his developing bond with Sam Cassell.
White’s rapid rise may have surprised some fans. However, his father, Richard White, has seen his son morph into different versions of himself throughout his basketball career. It’s nothing new for White or for his family members watching at home. That’s the type of player he is. During a recent interview on the “Green With Envy” podcast, Richard White dove into his son’s style of play and how he’s emerged as such an important part of Boston’s puzzle.
“I don’t know where he gets the calmness from. It’s probably from his mother because I am definitely not (calm,)” White said.
“He’s done that most of his basketball career. If things are flowing well, he just fits in. Now, if things aren’t going well, then he will insert himself. Game 7 against Miami, Jayson got hurt, and then middle of the third, they were down double digits, and Derrick went on, like, an eight-point run or something and pulled it within eight…And then, when he gets it back to a level playing field, then he turns it over to others.”
We’ve seen White step up in big moments throughout this season. We’ve also seen him emerge as arguably the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA. And, as one of the better point-of-attack defenders. As such, White has understandably found himself being discussed as a potential threat to gatecrash the All-Star Game. However, it’s highly unlikely he will make the cut due to the elite-level guard talent in the Eastern Conference.
Being selected as an All-Star would be fantastic for White. It would provide him with the recognition he deserves. However, as his dad pointed out, there is significant competition, and regardless of whether his son makes the team or not, it doesn’t affect his value as an impactful NBA player.
“I think the main thing is just the recognition that he is in these conversations because, like I said, there’s 450 people with guaranteed contracts. I mean, you can look at the list. There are so many good guards in the East,” he said. “…People are realizing the value and whatever. So whether you make the All-Star team or not, just to know that your work on the court is recognized and that people in the know, know that you’re a good player.”
