Hoops Tonight - Derrick White on Celtics defying NBA expectations, Tatum/Brown duo, Joe Mazzulla being "different"

Summary

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd – Hoops Tonight Episode: Derrick White on Celtics defying NBA expectations, Tatum/Brown duo, Joe Mazzulla being "different" Date: April 7, 2026

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Episode Overview

This episode features Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, who joins the Hoops Tonight podcast to break down the Celtics’ ability to defy expectations in the 2025–26 NBA season. Derrick discusses the team's culture, the evolution of the Jayson Tatum/Jaylen Brown duo, Joe Mazzulla's unique coaching style, his personal approach to skill development, and reflects on formative moments from his own career. The conversation is a nuanced look at how the Celtics have sustained excellence through internal growth, attention to the game's margins, and commitment to team culture.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Longevity of Derrick White’s Career and Physical Adjustments

[03:00]

• Derrick reflects on entering his 9th NBA season:

  “Yeah, I feel good. And it's kind of crazy that this is my ninth year. … I'm one of the old heads on the team now...” – Derrick White (03:00)

• Notes that recovery routines and self-care have become a bigger focus:

  “…the game ended and I don't need ice. I'm just showering and going home. And now it's all about, like, recovery…” – Derrick White (03:36)

Celtics Defying Outside Expectations

[04:04]

• Host notes most predictions pegged the Celtics for a drop-off after losing core players.
• Derrick describes cautious optimism and surprise at how cohesively the team responded:

  “When we started the year off, I was like, oh, this might be a long year… But everybody kind of bought into what we were trying to do.” – Derrick White (04:52) “We had a lot of unknown guys… I was confident with the group that we had, that the culture that we've kind of set from the last few years, that we'd be a pretty good team, not as bad as people were saying we were going to be.” – Derrick White (04:52)

Team Culture and Margins (Rebounding Emphasis & Role Players)

[05:51]

• Shoutouts to the development of role players like Neemias Queta, Hugo Gonzalez, Baylor Shireman, Jordan Walsh, and the impact of a strong organizational culture.

  “Joe’s all about winning the margins, and I think a big way to do that is taking care of the ball and rebounding.” – Derrick White (07:19)

• Highlights team-wide focus on rebounding as a critical improvement:

  “We talked about rebounding every day, and obviously adding JT back… It's been a big thing for us all year.” – Derrick White (07:19)

Offense: Playmaking Evolution and Continuity

[10:25]

• The host posits the team’s “drive-and-kick,” read-and-react offense has matured. Derrick agrees:

  “All of our guys have gotten a lot better... JT and JB… have an answer or counter for [any defense]…” – Derrick White (10:25) “It has definitely been a process and something that every year I just feel more and more comfortable with.”

Jalen Brown’s Growth and Increased Responsibility

[14:50]

• Derrick praises Jalen Brown’s work ethic, energy, and all-around improvement:

  “He comes in and every single night, he brought the standard up and he brought the energy… He's been having an amazing year, MVP caliber year.” – Derrick White (14:50)

Media Narratives about Tatum/Brown’s Fit

[16:50]

• On persistent outside questions about the Tatum/Brown pairing:

  “The media… always try to create narratives, and I think that's just kind of an easy one for them to pick. It doesn't really make much sense to me because the two of them had so much success... It’s a blessing to play with both of them.” – Derrick White (16:50)

Joe Mazzulla’s ‘Different’ Coaching Style

[18:54]

• White appreciated Mazzulla’s basketball mind even as an assistant.
• Notable quote:

  “He just looks at me, like: ‘Nobody cares.’ Like, stuff like that. Just every day it’s something. Like, one time I got sick, and he said he was looking at me differently because I let myself get sick.” – Derrick White (19:59)

• Host and guest agree you need “that kind of different to win at the highest levels.”

White’s Personal Skill Development Journey: Shooter to Maker

[21:48]

• Dramatic improvement in 3P% after a Finals series where he was “basically not guarded.”
• Key change was focusing on arc and staying in his shot:

  “…a big thing was my arc and me staying in my shot… I would shoot it and then I’d have to go get the rebound… If I didn’t have good arc… it wouldn’t count.” – Derrick White (21:48)

• Importance of confidence and compartmentalizing each shot:

  “Just staying confident in every shot, just try to be one for one. Whether you made the last one or you missed the last one, just try to be one for one that next shot.”

• Joe Mazzulla’s confidence in him also a major factor.

Embracing the Little Things: Defense, Role Fluidity, Effort

[26:18]

• White’s versatility dates to alternating roles through college and early NBA career.

  “I think me being able to kind of have those different roles as a kid growing up, you kind of see the importance of those roles…” – Derrick White (26:18)

• Instilled work ethic from his parents:

  “My parents kind of always taught me to just to play hard. And so that's kind of like the foundation of it.”

Favorite Shots and Playing in Rhythm

[29:06]

• On his go-to shot when hot:

  “That pull up three. Just dribble down, try to get them back up a little bit and go rise up for that pull up three.” – Derrick White (29:06)

Reflecting on Career-Defining Games

[31:26]

• Best NBA Game: 38-point playoff performance vs. Miami (2024, Game 4):

  “Either that one… the game winner, the tip-in is pretty cool. But I’m gonna go with the one where I had 38.” – Derrick White (31:26)

• Host singles out 2024 Finals Game 2 (clutch threes & block) as potentially most consequential.
• College: 50-point D2 NCAA tourney game for UCCS. White fondly describes coming from behind and making the decisive skip pass for the win.

College Transfer & Growth Year

[36:20]

• Derrick originally intended to return for another year at D2 UCCS, but transferred to Colorado after a strong push from his trainer and parents.

  “…I kind of have done everything I could in Division 2, and if I want to get to the next level, I have to go D1 and see how I can stack up… It was scary, but I think it obviously worked out for me…” – Derrick White (36:20)

The Year Sitting Out: Physical and Mental Growth

[38:18]

• Emphasized using the redshirt year for physical development and learning to practice at a D1 level:

  “…I can get so much better than everybody that's playing. So that's kind of like my mindset… like going against the starters at games.” – Derrick White (38:18) “I was 165 pounds… I needed that year.” – Derrick White (40:10)

White Noise Podcast: Motivation & Experience

[40:34]

• White enjoys learning from guests and sharing a different side of himself with fans.

  “I've learned so much about, like, our guests… I think that's been really cool for me. It's been cool to kind of show, like, a different side of myself…” – Derrick White (40:34)

Golf as a Post-COVID Outlet

[42:56]

• Took up golf; recently switched from lefty to righty on the advice of friends.

  “So last time I played golf, I golfed right handed for the first time. And so we can say I, I'm. I don't even know if I'm a lefty or a righty. So I'm not very good right now.” – Derrick White (42:56) “It's fun to be outside, it's fun to compete… mental challenge. You hit one good shot, you're like, why can't I do that every time?”

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Celtics' team-building:
  “Joe’s all about winning the margins, and I think a big way to do that is taking care of the ball and rebounding...”
  —Derrick White (07:19)

• On the Tatum/Brown partnership:
  “The media... always try to create narratives... It doesn't really make much sense because the two of them had so much success... It’s a blessing to play with both of them.”
  —Derrick White (16:50)

• On Joe Mazzulla:
  “He just looks at me, like: ‘Nobody cares.’... Like, one time I got sick, and he said he was looking at me differently because I let myself get sick.”
  —Derrick White (19:59)

• On confidence as a shooter:
  “Just staying confident in every shot, just try to be one for one. Whether you made the last one or you missed the last one, just try to be one for one that next shot.”
  —Derrick White (21:48)

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [03:00] – Derrick White on aging, routine, and recovery in NBA
• [04:52] – On Celtics' surprising the league and team culture
• [07:19] – Joe Mazzulla’s focus on “winning the margins” (rebounds & ball security)
• [10:25] – Driving/kick offense, player development, and offensive improvement
• [14:50] – Jalen Brown’s growth and MVP-caliber season
• [16:50] – On media narratives about Tatum/Brown duo
• [19:59] – Joe Mazzulla’s quirks and head coach stories
• [21:48] – Derrick White on improving his shooting and skill development
• [26:18] – Embracing different roles and the importance of “the little things”
• [29:06] – Favorite shot: the pull-up three
• [31:26] – Career-best games in NBA and college
• [36:20] – Transferring to D1: motivation and decision process
• [38:18] – Redshirt year at Colorado: how it helped
• [40:34] – White Noise podcast: connecting with fans and learning from guests
• [42:56] – Golfer identity crisis and love of the game

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Tone & Style

The episode is conversational, candid, and filled with humility and insight. Derrick jokes about being an “old head,” provides thoughtful breakdowns of team strategy and relationships, and shows self-awareness about his basketball journey. Both host and guest maintain a respectful, inquisitive tone—geeky about basketball’s nuances, but approachable and inclusive for fans and aspiring players.

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Conclusion

This episode delivers a comprehensive look inside the Boston Celtics' resilient, detail-oriented approach to high-level basketball, as seen through Derrick White’s perspective. The conversation is a masterclass in team dynamics, coaching culture, and personal growth—providing value both to fans and anyone interested in the finer points of skill development, leadership, and adaptation at the highest levels of the NBA.

— End of Summary —

Transcript

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[Derrick White]

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Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. On the Serving Pancakes podcast, conversations about volleyball go beyond the court. Today we have a little best friend compatibility test. Okay, and how long have we been best friends?

[Derrick White]

Since the day we met.

[Podcast Host]

As the League1 volleyball season heads towards its final stretch, there's no better time to tune in. You'll hear unfiltered analysis, behind the scenes stories and conversations with leaders making an impact across the sport. Whether you're following the final push of love season or just love the game, Serving Pancakes brings you closer to the action and the people shaping the future of volleyball. Open your free iHeartradio app search serving Pancakes and listen. Now presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports,

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and Doug. There's nowhere I wouldn't go to help someone customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual. Even if it means sitting front row at a comedy show.

[Podcast Host]

Hey, everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

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[Podcast Host]

Liberty. Liberty. Liberty. The Volume.

[Interviewer / Host]

All right. Welcome to Hoops Tonight here at the Volume. Happy Tuesday, everybody. Hope all of you guys are having a great start to your week. We have an extremely special guest today. One of my favorite players in the NBA. One of the most well respected players in the NBA for all the things that he does to help a team Win two team all two time all defense selection. Most importantly, NBA champion Derek White from the Boston Celtics was kind enough to give us some of his time this morning. First of all, Derek, you're at the end of your ninth season in the NBA now you guys only have four games left. How you feeling? How's. How's the grind starting to add up after all these years?

[Derrick White]

Yeah, I feel good. And it's kind of crazy that this is my. My ninth year. I feel like it's like everybody always says it just flies by, but. And I'm one of the old heads on the team now, so it's been a. It's been a long season. It's been a fun year, obviously. And now, like, the. What we really play for is about to be here, and it's exciting times.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah. You know, it's funny. I'm just playing plain old amateur basketball, and I'm 34, and I can feel it on my body like, crazy. Have you felt at all, like, a change in how this has started to affect you physically as the years have gone by?

[Derrick White]

Yeah, definitely. I mean, I feel like at the beginning of my career, the game ended and I don't need ice. I'm just showering and going home. And now it's all about, like, recovery as soon as the game ends. And I got a bunch of different stuff at the house now to kind of help me recover, to kind of get my body right for the next game. So, um, it definitely is a process of, as you get older, of developing that routine of what you need to do to get your mind. Get your body right and so you can perform at the highest level.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, just all that extra effort, all that extra work. So most people before the season thought the Celtics would most likely drop somewhere into the middle of the playoff pack. I don't think anybody thought you guys would be bad, but most people thought there'd be some sort of tangible drop off. Just because you guys lose Jayson Tatum, you lose Al Horford, you lose Drew Holiday, you lose Chris Ops Porzingis. Just the staples of the team that won the championship in many ways. Yet now you guys are considered by most people to be, like, a dead serious threat to win the title. Now, I'm sure you guys in that locker room were a lot more confident than most people thought before the season, but is there any part of you that's at least somewhat surprised that you guys were still this good?

[Derrick White]

I mean, I guess a little bit. I mean, when we started the year off, I was like, oh, this Might be a long year, but I think everybody kind of bought into what we were trying to do. And in the first moment, like, we had a lot of unknown guys. We had a lot of guys that had played a high level of basketball, and we had some guys that hadn't really had their opportunity yet. And so I think going in, I was, like, excited for them to get the opportunity and see what they could do with it. And really, everybody's stepped up and helped us win games in many different ways. And so you never really know with a year coming in with so many unknowns that we had. But I was confident with the group that we had, that the culture that we've kind of set from the last few years, that we'd be a pretty good team, not as bad as people were saying we were going to be. And, I mean, this year we just found different ways to win throughout the whole year. And you've kind of seen how much we've grown individually and as a team, especially, like, how bad we started the year off.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, the culture is the big one because, like, don't get me wrong, there have been some guys that have stepped up. You and I were talking before we started recording about Keda and how amazing he's been this year. Just a really impressive development story. Obviously, the forwards like Hugo Gonzalez and Baylor Shireman and Jordan Walsh and the job that they've done this year, just kind of filling in, doing all sorts of dirty work for you guys on both ends of the floor. Because I think offensive rebounding has been just a huge difference in this year's team compared to last year's team. But the culture is the big one because, like, in my opinion, it's one of the most important parts of sustaining success in the NBA. You've got to have, like, a standard and an expectation that kind of percolates into every part of the game, even every part of your roster, guys that are outside of the rotation, so that you. You guys can have, you know, Luca Garza step up for a long stretch when Vucevic gets hurt, for example, like, you got to have that culture, be something that is consistent throughout the organization. So is there anything that you can think of, like, the two things that I have thought about with this year's team is one, the new emphasis on rebounding. You guys are killing teams on the offensive glass, like the. The corner crashing. Your bigs are like, keita again yesterday. 4 offensive rebound put backs against Toronto and post All Star break. You guys have actually been the best defensive rebounding team in the NBA, which is crazy because that was something you guys struggled with in the first part of the season. So do you remember anything from training camp or an emphasis from Joe Missoula specifically surrounding rebounding and how that has kind of gained momentum throughout this year?

[Derrick White]

Yeah, I mean, Joe's all about winning the margins, and I think a big way to do that is taking care of the ball and rebounding. And so some of that we talk about all the time. And there's like a. Definitely a big emphasis going into the season as I crash and trying to create more offense possessions. And I mean. I mean, guys got like Hugo, Jay, Walsh, Baylor, Sam, like all these guys. I mean, we. We hold everybody to like, a high expectation, a high standard, and people have to have to deliver or like, you probably won't get in much. And so those guys are playing, playing their butts off and crashing, doing all the little things to kind of help us win games. And then I think defense, rebound, obviously was a big struggle for us, especially at the start of the year. We weren't the biggest team, but so we talked about every day. And then obviously adding JT back, it definitely has helped our rebounding a lot as well. So it's a big emphasis in the building. I mean, I feel like everybody. Everybody talks about rebounding, and it's been big. It's been a big thing for us all year.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, Tatum, he. The most underrated thing about his game is just the way that he can plug so many different holes on defense, the way that he can give you guys all these different pick and roll coverages where you can deploy him on centers. I know that was more of a thing last year, but I thoroughly expect that to be something that you guys use as you go down the. The stretch of the season. And that, yeah, that defensive rebounding piece, because of his ability to contend against bigger players in box outs, to win contested rebounding battles, it kind of slots everybody into more winnable battles on the glass. And I, the offensive end, I wanted to slide over to for a minute because, you know, you guys end up having literally a higher offensive rating this year than you did last year, despite the turnover, despite the different type of talent. And so my theory, I have a theory on this, and I want you to tell me whether or not you agree. My theory is like, Joe Missoula comes in and he implements this new kind of style of offense, this driving kick offense. You guys have different ways of breaking it down through, like, ball screens with you and Tatum on both sides, inverted and regular or attacking matchups when teams are switching with Tatum and Brown, you get the defense in rotation, you know, the flare screens you use off the top of the key, whatever it might be you start with. But then from there it's just spacing and then making decisions, driving closeouts, making sure you're in the right spot, being in a position where you can finish plays. And there were times over the first couple of years where you guys got criticized and I think rightfully so. We're like, sometimes you would just, you would just kind of maybe settle for iffy shots or you wouldn't get deep enough into the progression to get the kinds of really high quality threes that you guys needed to pick teams apart and dominate. And then like, I think the 2024 finals were like the, the peak of it for you guys. Like, you guys just picked Dallas apart by driving and kicking and just getting great shot after great shot. And you saw the growth with Tatum and Brown and the, the job that they were doing, just making good decisions in the middle of the floor. Do you think like continuity and just overall gaining rhythm and experience in this style of offense has started to pay dividends this year and that's part of why you guys have been so good offensively?

[Derrick White]

Yeah, I think like, like you said, like, spacing is definitely a big key and I think like all the of our guys have gotten a lot better. Like, I think like we just make better decisions and if a team like obviously JT and JB going to see every kind of defenses, so as they developed, obviously they've been able to score since they came into the league. But I'm developing a way to play, make and create for others and is really whatever they decide to do, they have an answer or counter for it. So it's big time for them too just to develop that other side of the game. And then it's on us to make the right read right play. And if we get an advantage, which most of the time they will create an advantage for us and it's our job to keep the advantage and make the right play after that. It has definitely been a process and something that every year I just feel more and more comfortable with. And we talk all the time about how we can just better create those advantages and then like what teams are going to try to do, how they're going to try to combat that. And it's a kind of fun little back and forth between us and the opponent.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, it's been really cool to watch and I think it also kind of falls into that culture conversation that we were having earlier. What's it been like watching Jalen Brown take on so much more responsibility this year and handle it as well as he has? Today's show is brought to you by presenting sponsor Hard Rock bet, the official sportsbook partner of the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic. The hardwood is heating up as the NBA playoff push rolls on, and with Hard Rock bet, every night is a shot to build a same game parlay and score a major bucket. Maybe you like the hot hand to drop 30, the big man to control the glass of the double double, and the point guard to dish out five assists. However you draw it up, Hard Rock Bet gives you tons of ways to stack your picks into an epic same game parlay. Missed tip off of that big game? No problem. Hard Rock Bet lets you live bet all game long from the first bucket to the final buzzer, so it's never too late to find a winner or grab that player prop that you had circled. If you haven't joined Hard Rock Bet yet, now is the time to check into the game. New signups can double their winnings on their first 10 bets max $50. That means if you would have won 100 bucks on your bet, now it's 200. So don't sit on the bench. Download the Hard Rock Bet app today and get the party started. Offered by the Seminole Tribe of Florida in Florida. Offered by Seminole hard Rock Digital LLC in all other states. Must be 21 plus and physically present in Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee or Virginia to play. Terms and conditions apply. Concerned about gambling in Florida? Call 1-843-3-3000, playwise in Indiana. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-9 with it in Ohio, call 1-800-my reset gambling problem, call 1-800- gambler in Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Tennessee and Virginia.

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[Podcast Host]

Hey everyone, check out this guy and his bird. What is this, your first date?

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

Oh no. We help people customize and save on car insurance with Liberty Mutual together. We're married. Me to a human, him to a bird.

[Podcast Host]

Yeah, the bird looks out of your

[Liberty Mutual Spokesperson]

league anyways, only pay for what you [e-mail] liberty, liberty, liberty, liberty.

[Podcast Host]

On the Serving Pancakes podcast, conversations about volleyball go beyond the court. Today we have a little best friend compatibility test. Okay, how long have we been Best friends for since the day we met. As the League1 volleyball season heads towards its final stretch, there's no better time to tune in. We really are like yin and yang, vodka and tequila. You'll hear unfiltered analysis, behind the scenes stories and conversations with leaders making an impact across the sport. Today we have Logan Lednecki.

[Derrick White]

I feel like our fan base in

[Podcast Host]

general is very connected.

[Derrick White]

It's like a comforting feeling getting to play at home.

[Podcast Host]

Whether you're following the final push of love season or just love the game, serving Pancakes brings you closer to the action and the people shaping the future of volleyball. Jordan Thompson had that microphone out. God forbid we make mistakes or cuss at our coach. Like, when talking. Open your free iHeartradio app. Search serving Pancakes and listen. Now. This has been Serving Pancakes. And we'll catch you on the flip side, okay? Presented by Capital One, founding partner of iHeart Women's Sports.

[Derrick White]

It's been amazing. I think, like, he was like, super excited going here, obviously, and this is like an opportunity that he probably has been dreaming about since he was a kid. And so he's been amazing for us. He comes in and every single night. He brought the standard up and he brought the energy. And obviously everybody focuses offensively and him scoring and doing all the things he was doing for us, but also defensively taking on challenges and competing at a high level on that end as well. And so I think he's been having an amazing year, MVP caliber year. And I think he just continues to get better and better every year, which is a testament to his hard work.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah. You know, it's funny, I always have believed that with basketball, reps are what gets you to where you need to go. Like, everything is more about, like, replicating the things that are working and cutting out the things that are not working. And young basketball players tend to, like, sometimes make the same mistake over and over again. Or like, I remember I had a veteran guard I played with once. So, like, we were playing three on three and we'd get an easy bucket out of an action and then I'd go do something else on the next plane. It'd be like, what the hell are you doing? Like, just do the same thing we just did until they figure out how to stop it. Like, there's a replicating successes and trimming fat kind of thing that you get better at as time goes on. And it's been really cool for me as we've watched the Celtics this year to see Jalen just, like, with each game, just get A little bit better at being consistently great. And I thought the second half of the Thunder game was the best half of basketball I've ever seen him play. He was just so relentless, attacking great perimeter defenders and getting into the middle of the floor and drawing fouls and getting to the. Getting all the way to the basket and making the good decisions when he got there. And it's just been really cool to watch him develop. But as someone who's been alongside Jaylen and Jason for most of this era, what's your perspective on, like, the media discourse surrounding, like, their fit as a duo? Has that always just been stupid to you? Has it been frustrating to watch that discourse from the outside,

[Derrick White]

man? I mean, I think the media, they always try to create narratives, and I think that's just kind of an easy one for them to pick. And it doesn't really make much sense to me because the two of them had so much success. Like, Celtics have been in the Eastern Conference finals, like, damn near every year of their. Their NBA career, which does not happen. And so how much success they. They've had, obviously it's tough to get over that, that final hurdle. But so like all the media and whatever, not they want to say, like, that really has come into the locker room and I think those two handle it really well. And obviously they're, They're. They're completely different, but they, they. We make it work. And it's been, it's been great to see, like you said, a development. And I think every year, like I've said, like, they get better and better and like, teams have probably forced, like, let's try to force them into a crowd, but now, like, they're playmaking and creating for others, and this is stuff that takes time and they definitely put in the work in and they want to get better and they both do it on both sides of the court. So it's a, It's a blessing to play with both of them.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, I, I've always thought it was so silly because, like, I don't know any basketball player that wants to do it by themselves. It's hard. It's exhausting. Like, they, you want someone that's there to help you handle the, the job of, of, like you said, creating advantages. And most importantly, because of the way you guys play, like, everyone's touching the basketball, everyone's involved. If, if Jalen's in a good rhythm and he's going to work, Tatum's getting all sorts of opportunities to attack closeouts and to play off of advantage and, And Vice versa. So I've always just thought it was, like, a basketball misconception that's like, oh, there's only one ball kind of thing. It's like, no, we're playing basketball. Like, we need help. We all need to do this together. All right. I wanted to ask you a couple questions about Joe Missoula, and then I wanted to get into you individually as a basketball player. So what was Joe Missoula like as an assistant? Like, did you see him back then and go like, oh, this dude's going to be a coach, and this is what it's going to be like? Or did when he get the job, did it, like, surprise you how intense and how good he was at that specific job?

[Derrick White]

I mean, I didn't work specifically with Joe, but, like, you could definitely see he had a great mind for the game, and I think he definitely was, like, regarded as highly in the organization. So when he did get the job, the head coach job, I think, like, everybody just expected him to do really well and to kill it. So I definitely knew that everybody, like, had that expectation for him, and, like, when he took the job, it wasn't like we were starting from ground zero, and. But he's always been just that basketball mind. And I think when you become a head coach, you kind of see a different side of him, and he's kind of just stepped into his own, and every year, I think he's gotten better and better, and me and him got a great relationship, and so it's been. It's been great to have that trust and that bond, and, like, we go back and forth and we talk about different things, and for him to trust me and stuff like that, it's been. It's been really cool.

[Interviewer / Host]

Do you have a favorite? Joe Missoula's kind of insane, but I love it story.

[Derrick White]

I mean, nobody cares. One. Like, that's probably my favorite one, I think, where I was like, congrats on coach of the month. He just looks at me like, nobody cares. Like, stuff like that. Just. Just every day it's. It's something. Like, one time I got sick, and he said he was looking at me differently because I let myself get sick.

[Interviewer / Host]

Like, just.

[Derrick White]

Just stuff like that. Like, it is. Is a lot of fun, and he's just a little. He's just a little different. But he's like, our difference, so we love it.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, exactly. You need to be that kind of different to win at the highest levels. All right, let's dig into you as a basketball player. So I've Been personally very fascinated with skill development just simply because I got into high school coaching a few years back. And then when I got this job, I couldn't go to practices as much and to games. And so I shifted my role in the program to skill development because I had to go in the morning. So I'd wake up at 6 o' clock in the morning and I was working with these kids and I was super obsessed with like what kind of things actually translated to them actually improving as basketball players. Through your first 263 NBA games, basically through the end of your first season with Boston, you were a 34% three point shooter. Then through your next 231 games, your next three season with the Celtics, you were a 39% three point shooter on almost double the volume. Do you remember something specific clicking with you in your shooting development? Do you remember a specific approach in the summer of 22, 2022? Do you remember anything that like led to that improvement? And is there anything that you could pass on to young basketball players in terms of the skill development piece and going from being. I had a coach that used to say you're either a shooter or you're a maker. What, what do you think changed for you becoming a maker in the NBA?

[Derrick White]

I think like obviously after the Finals they basically weren't guarding me. That was like this is what I need to focus on. And so I kind of just started from the beginning. I think a big thing was like my arc and me staying in my shot. So that's kind of something that I focused on that whole summer. So I would like, I would shoot it and then I'd have to like go get the rebound. And I think that kind of helped force me to stay in my shot, you know, like I can't fade back and go to the next drill or whatever. So I did that and then like if I didn't have good arc or I didn't like the arc on that one, like it wouldn't count. So stuff like that, that kind of just reemphasize the arc and staying in my shot. So that was like a big thing for, for my, my shooting I think like I was inconsistent with it and like it's hard to be consistent shooter if you're fading back. It's hard to be consistent. Especially like you never know. Especially then like I might take three, three threes that game or take one like you never know when they're going to come. And so if I can be consistent with my form and my arc and everything, like That I knew that I, I'd give myself a better chance of putting up a good shot to, to make it. And it's like, that's a lot of things that I focused on. And then, then I think, like, really a big part was just my confidence, like, mental. Like, I'd make one and I'd be really confident in there, or I missed two and the third one I'm kind of hesitant and obviously, and then you miss three, and then it kind of adds up like that. So just staying confident in every shot, just try to be one for one. Whether you made the last one or you missed the last one, just try to be one for one that next shot. So that was a big one. And I think like, Joe came in and was like, I believe in you, I trust in you. And I think just having that and my teammates have always been like, we believe in you, trusting you, like, shoot with confidence. And like, you have all that come together and definitely have made a lot of improvements. And I got to just continue to keep that mindset and like, even like this year, like, I haven't shot it as, as well as I did in the last couple years. But, like, just, you got to get back to that, the. That foundation.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, I mean, like, it is such a, a mind, for lack of a better word, because like you said, like, like that year, the three year stretch where you shot amazing, you missed 61% of your threes. So, like, if you can't actually compartmentalize each individual shot and stay confident for the next one, you're screwed. And, and to the point this year, like, no one's going to give a damn if you shot poorly in the regular season. If you make the shots when they matter in the postseason, like, it lit it. It's always a next shot mentality. I do think that the point you made for the skill development side of it of like, kind of limiting unwasted motion is important because, like, I watched a bunch of your Colorado Springs footage, which we're going to talk about in a little bit. But like, you, you, you did kick your legs a little bit more. There was like more of like a, like just a lot more flair on each shot, which is, there's nothing wrong with that necessarily, but all it does is make it so that each shot is a little different. And if each shot is a little different, then it's harder to replicate, you know, your form every single time. And you watch, you watch any of your shots from your time in a Celtics jersey, they all look exactly the same. It's the same up and down motion, it's the same arc. Like said, I just, I think that those sorts of things do matter, especially in catch and shoot play because like, you know, I think you do need a little bit of fluidity and you become a very good off the dribble three point shooter over the years. But in catch and shoot situations there has to be a muscle memory piece or you're drawn dead in terms of consistency. And I think most of like the streaky shooters that we see around the NBA have some sort of issue with like actually being consistent with their form. So you're perhaps most famous as an NBA player for being great at the little things. Like you're one of the best shot blocking guards ever. You might even be having your best defensive season. For all the talk about your shooting, you're averaging A career high 2 1/2 stocks per game. The Celtics defense is over 10 points better this season per 100 possessions. When you're on the floor versus off. So you're having an outstanding defensive season. You're a great rebounder at your position. You're a career 3 to 1 assist. The turnover guy, we talked about that earlier with the read and react stuff. I think decision making is so vitally important in advantage basketball. I was digging through your college stats and even as far back as your sophomore season at uccs, you had eight games with multiple blocks, you were having high assist totals, you were impacting the game in all these different ways. Do you remember a specific point in your basketball career where you embraced the little things? Or was it just something that always. That you were always great at?

[Derrick White]

I think it's just like I've done so many different roles in the. My freshman year I was just basically like a shooter, like a spot up. Like in high school I was just. That's all I did. And then like my sophomore year I was a little bit more playmaking and like my junior senior I was scoring. Then like I go to college and like I'm trying to figure out what I'm gonna do, like what role I'm in in college. And so like I've been able to just be a little a bit different each year basically. And so when I made it to the NBA, like they need me to do just defense, like I felt like I could do that if they needed playmaker scoring. So like I feel like just having that, like a lot of guys in the NBA, like they've been the scorer their whole life and they've been the best player. And so I Think me being able to kind of have those different roles as a kid growing up, you kind of see the importance of those roles. You see how they impact winning and why they're so important. So kind of always have that and now it's kind of helped me have the career that I've had so far and so, and then I think like my parents kind of always taught me to just to play hard. And so that's kind of like the foundation of it. It's just playing hard. Like you can want to do all the right things, but if you don't give the effort then you probably will be a step behind or you won't get there. And so I think that's kind of the foundation of like I just try to go out there and play my hardest every day and then just try to make the right play and compete and help us win as many game as possible.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, it's a habit, it's a skill playing hard. I think it's always been an underrated thing over the years. It's so interesting the way you broke that down because like there's lots of examples of this throughout the NBA with some of our other stars like I think Paul George and Kawhi Leonard kind of come to the forefront as examples where like when you have smaller roles where you're not on the ball, the way you stay in the rotation, the way you get minutes is by doing the little things. And so you kind of have to develop that part of your game. And then when the offensive game follows it, it's not like that stuff gets lost, it just kind of gets brought along with you and then all of a sudden you just become this really well rounded basketball player. That said, you have become a hell of an on ball player over the years. I think I know the answer to this, but I want to hear what you think. So you're in a great rhythm. You've just made two or three shots in a row. Everyone on the floor, Jalen, Jason, Peyton, they all know that they're going to play through you on this possession. Obviously you're going to make the right play. So if they blitz you or they get the ball to your hands, you're going to make the right play. But you're starting the possession looking for your shot because you're in good rhythm. What's the first shot that you're hunting? You're bringing the ball up the floor, you got the ball in your high hesitation dribble, you're looking for your shot. What's the first thing you're hunting

[Derrick White]

that pull of three. Just dribble down, try to get them back up a little bit and go prize up for that pull up three. That or just get a pick and roll, try to get advantage off of that. And so you feel like you got it going. We definitely give the freedom to kind of go down there and just kind of rise up and say, I think if I had it, if I had that scenario, probably hesitation. Pull up three.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, so I knew you were going to say that. And one of the reasons. So every, every young basketball player that doesn't play in the NBA idolizes NBA players and picks little pieces from their game and tries to add it. You know, like whether it's like hardened step back footwork or it's like fade away footwork from different post players, whatever it might be. And one of the shots that I have tried to implement that I've stolen from you is I just call it the switch interchange pull up three. But basically like any sort of ball screen where they're switching so guard, guard, screens, there's always like a little gap when the on ball defender is trying to get underneath so he doesn't get beat on the slip. And the guy who's switching out is like still in the process of coming out to you. There's like a little gap in there where there's space to take a pull up and you've always killed teams with this where like you'll come up with the guard, guard screen and the guy will sink underneath and the second guy is not quite there yet and you just find that gap and that's when you take the pull up three and you will do a ton of damage to teams just by like hitting that little gap in the switch. But yeah, definitely that, that hesitation pull up 3. Especially since you got good size at the position and you have such a high release and you shoot it with so much arc. It's. It's definitely the one that I was thinking that you would say.

[Derrick White]

Yeah, I like that. I like that. Three, two. That's a good, It's a good poll.

[Interviewer / Host]

So what do you think? I, I have a guess here as well. But what would you say is the best game you've ever played in your basketball career? Considering stakes, everything involved. Like is there a game that you think back or like that was. That was my biggest moment. That was the best game I ever played any level. Let's stick to the NBA for now because I think I, I've one. I have a pull. I have a pull for that. One too. But let's go to the NBA first.

[Derrick White]

Best game, probably when I had what, 38 against the Heat, like game four or something of the 24, either that one. It's gotta be some playoff game, like with the stakes are the highest. And so I'd guess probably I'd say that one. I mean, the game winner, the tip in is pretty cool. But I'm gonna go with the one where I had 38. So I think like game four, 24

[Interviewer / Host]

there, there's a lot of good options to pick from, as you mentioned. I'm actually gonna go 20, 24, finals game two, specifically because of the stakes in the moment. So game two is always the toughest one, right? Home team, hold serve, game one, you know, you know, Luke is coming in game two, and it ended up being a pretty close game late. And you hit two massive threes, including that one that's off the left wing when the shot clock was running down that like, absolute bomb. Then you hit the catch and shoot three off of the right wing. And then there's the crazy sequence late where you guys at the fast break going the other way. It's five point game. There's like one minute left. And you have this crazy chase down block of P.J. washington at the other end of the floor where like, if he gets that or like, say you foul him and he makes it, it's a two point game, it's a three point game. All of a sudden it's like they get a stop. Luke has got the ball with the chance to tie. He wins that game. It's a one one series going back to Dallas. Fundamentally different series. I've always thought, like, we're so quick as basketball fans to look back and go like, oh, they won 4:1. That means it was easy. But like, usually these series tend to swing on a big play here, a big play there. And I just thought, like, given the stakes, championship on the line, game to 20, 24. You just made so many huge plays late in the game to help pull that one out. But as you said, you did play at other levels. You played three years of D2 ball at Colorado, Colorado Springs. I just moved to Colorado. I love it here so far. I heard you spend your time here in the summers. I don't blame you. It's beautiful. But you also played a year Colorado. I want to talk about the transfer thing in a little bit, but I want to go back to 2015. First round of the D2 NCAA tournament. You score 50 points against Colorado School of Mines. Your Team's trailing late. You guys were trailing for most of the second half of that game. And it kind of like was like the flash forward to future Derek White. First of all, I really enjoyed watching that film. You hit this like nasty spin move on a baseline inbounds play where you kind of flashed the left elbow and then you ripped and went right into his spin and just completely dusted the dude and got all the way to basket for a layup. You had cra. A bunch of highlights in that game. But down the stretch it was the pull up threes. You started getting into your pull up three point shooting game and you hit three massive ones down the stretch to help close the gap. And I don't know if you remember this play, but you actually ended up winning the game with this beautiful skip pass to Tim Billingsley in the left corner. He hits the massive three, you guys get a stop, you close it out at the foul line. Do you remember that game? Is this, Is that the game you were thinking about? First of all? Was that the game you were thinking about?

[Derrick White]

Yeah, yeah, that's definitely my best statistical. I mean even like stakes and everything. First round NCAA tournament. Yeah, that's. I mean you score 50 anywhere, like, especially in college, I think that's there, but I just think like first time in school history won NCAA tournament game and just everything that we kind of had to do to get there and same. Basically the same like team we played the year before. Well, we played Metro the year before, but same kind of situation and for us to come together and get a win. But yeah, I think like the pull up three definitely kind of brought us back and I kind of remember, like I just get a dribble down and would just make a play. Like I wasn't trying to do any office, like just make a play. And so the pull up threes are definitely a big. And then I do remember the. The pass to Tim. And Tim, man, he was shot for us. And I think Darius made free throws and Is an unbelievable game and something I kind of would never forget. And so I don't know, I gotta. I gotta watch the highlights or the game film here sometime and. Cause I haven't. I haven't seen it in a while, but yeah, I definitely remember it.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, I'm gonna try to. I'm gonna talk to Jackson. We may. We may splice the footage into here because I. It was. It was fun to watch. Just for me as a basketball fan, I. I played at the NAIA level and I think a lot of people think like, oh, D2, NAIA. It's not. They're. The coaching is insane. The. The skill level is insane. The size is everyone' strong. There's a lot of grown men playing at that level. Like, it's so much harder basketball than people think playing at that level. And do you remember that game as sort of like an inflection point where you're like, okay, I'm ready for the next step, or did you already know? Like. Like, let me frame it more like this. Like, did you already know you were transferring to Colorado at that point, or was that something that happened after that?

[Derrick White]

No, I mean, we went to this next round and we lost. Like, after we lost, I was like, all right, I'm gonna come back next year. And, like, I gotta get. I gotta get better, and we're gonna try to get a national championship. Like, that's where my mind was. And it's probably like a week or two after, like, my trainer, my longtime trainer, Marcus Mason, was like. He's like, I think it might be time for you to transfer. And, like, there was. I was thinking about it, but not really thinking about it after my sophomore year. So, like, I knew there was, like, some D1 interest, but then he's like, I think, like, CU would be, like, interested. Like, this is the PAC 12. This is your, like, your hometown team and stuff like that. And so I'm like, yeah, not bad. And, like, meeting with my parents and talking with, like, some other coaches and stuff. And so then I was like, all right, I kind of have done everything I could in Division 2, and if I want to get to the next level, I have to go D1 and see how I can stack up against some of the top competition. And so I didn't want to leave. I loved it there and loved the coaches, love the team, and I didn't want to leave, but definitely thought, like, it was probably my best decision. And it was scary, but I think it obviously worked out for me and something that I had to do.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah. Yeah. Derek, it was the right decision. I hate to break it to you. The right decision. Okay. What was it like having to sit out a full season after that? Like, do you remember? Because when I've seen. Obviously, this is less of a thing now with the. With the way the transfer portal works, but, like, back in the day, that's what you did. If you wanted to transfer, you had to sit out a year. Was it, like, agonizing? Going from, like, 50 point game, best game of my life. I'm peaking as a basketball player. To, like, suddenly not playing for a year, or was it actually kind of nice to have a year to, like, just strictly focus on your skill development?

[Derrick White]

Yeah, I think, like, obviously the transfer portal now is crazy, but, I mean, even back then, like, if you transfer D1 to D2, you didn't have to sit up, but D2 to D1, you did. I'm like, that doesn't make any sense. Yeah, but I think, like, when I did it, I was like, this year off is going to be great for me. And, like, I'm gonna need to work. Like, I need to get bigger, I need to get stronger, I need to kind of adapt. So, like, when I transferred, I was like, this is going to be actually really helpful for me. And then, like, I could treat those when they had games. Like, I treat those like my games. And like, I was like, at best player, you might take, what, 20 shots at most? Like, I can take, like, 500 shots. So, like, I can get so much better than everybody that's playing. So that's kind of like my mindset. And I'm like, I got to treat these practices like going against the starters at games. And so, like, I. I thought the rest of the year was, like. Was amazing for me. And, like, I. I learned a lot, I grew a lot, I got a lot better. But by the end there, like, I kind of, like, was basically the best player in practice. And so, like, I was like, damn, I could really help the team right now. And, like, they made an NCAA tournament that year. And so I was like, damn, I could really help us. And that. That's when I really wanted to get out there and compete. Like, it was hard watching the games like that, but in the end, like, it was. It was great for me to kind of develop my body, get stronger, and kind of learn the division one, because it's a big jump from D2 to D1. And so I. I hated not being able to help the team, but it was great for me.

[Interviewer / Host]

That actually makes a lot of sense, the way you broke it down. So, like, it was almost like a year for you to prepare for the physicality difference going from D2 to D1. Like, yeah, that makes sense. Like, go. If you were to jump right in, there might have been a lot more growing pains dealing with just the difference in athleticism and size and all that kind of stuff, but you got to literally practice against those guys. Go through a D1 weight training program.

[Derrick White]

And you saw me in D2, like, I was skinny. I was 165 pounds. Like, I worked there, but I was not going to work at the. The. At the D1 level, especially in the PAC12, and so I needed that year.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, it makes a lot of sense. All right, two more quick ones, and then we'll get you out of here. First of all, tell us about the White Noise podcast, what that experience has been like for you and what some of your goals are in that area.

[Derrick White]

Yeah, it's been. It's been a lot of fun. Like, I didn't really ever think I'd have a podcast or be one of those people that do podcasts, but I think it's just a great way for me to connect with different people. I think, like. Like, a lot of the episodes we've done, like, I've learned so much about, like, our guests and, like, different ways, like, they're successful or what they do. And so I think that's been really cool for me. It's been cool to kind of show, like, a different side of, like, myself and. And obviously doing it with Will. She's been amazing. Someone that. I mean, roommates at UCCS together and kind of stayed together throughout everything that I've done and everything that he's done. And so, like, just all that's been a lot of fun, and people are enjoying it, so I'm enjoying it. So it's been. It's a fun journey, and hopefully we continue to make it better and better and people continue to enjoy it.

[Interviewer / Host]

Yeah, it's. It's. When you love basketball, you love to talk about basketball, and, like, it's just, like, an opportunity, like you said, to connect with fans, which I think is super important. I was reading Brian Windhorst was talking about this the other day, but I think. I think it's one of the most fundamental parts of the fan experience is for us to understand NBA players to get their perspective. I mean, you don't want to just hear about the game from guys like me. You know, I'm not in the trenches with you guys. I don't know what it's like to deal with the things that you guys got to deal with. And so it's. It's so important to have that additional perspective. Everybody who's listening, make sure you guys head over there and. And check out the White Noise podcast. One last thing, though. So when Covid came around, you couldn't get in the gym? I was lucky. I had a couple overseas guys that I played with where I would occasionally get to open up a gym with them and play, but it was kind of tough because we'd play like once a week, which is like, really, really hard to build any sort of rhythm. And then they took down the outdoor baskets like you couldn't even go outside and play anywhere. And so I was like, I, I was going stir crazy. I was going insane. And so I picked up golf and I really enjoyed it because, like, there were a lot of similarities in the sense that, like, you know, it kind of reminded like a golf swing. Reminds me of a jump shot in a lot of ways. The refinement, the muscle memory, the, the mind that we were talking about earlier. The, the, the lack of wasted motion, all those different things. I did hear from Dan, Dan, a buddy of mine who I've been playing basketball with here in Colorado. I've heard that you have picked up golf. So tell us what that experience has been like.

[Derrick White]

Yeah, it's been a journey. So I've been a lefty golfer my whole life. And then, like, I was messing around, like, so I got my. I'm a natural righty, like in baseball. My dad made me a lefty when I was a kid for when I was in baseball. So I've been golf left handed because I bet left handed. And then like, I, A couple months ago, like, I was joking around, like, swinging right handed, and people were like, I think you might be a righty. So last time I played golf, I golf right handed for the first time. And so we can say I, I'm. I don't even know if I'm a lefty or a righty. So I'm not very good right now. But I do agree with, like, it's a, it's fun to be outside, it's fun to compete. Um, it's definitely like a challenge, mental challenge. You hit one good shot, you're like, why can't I do that every time? And I, I do enjoy just like, just being around with good people and going out on the course. And so hopefully I'll get a little bit better and better here, and I'm gonna have to. I'm. I think I'm stick right handed. I think that's what I'm gonna do. And hopefully I figure some things out, hit the ball a little straighter, be a little more consistent with it. But it's a lot of fun for the first, like 12 to 13 holes. Right now I gotta get my, my golf stamina up to, to go past that.

[Interviewer / Host]

Oh, dude, it. That's literally what happens around that 13th, 14th hole. You get tired. My back starts to get sore too, from the rotation and like it just starts. Yeah. And then your form goes to.

[Derrick White]

And then I'm done with this. Like the ball's not going anywhere. Like, whatever. I'll just throw it on the green.

[Interviewer / Host]

It is a little bit better in Colorado, I'll tell you that. I grew up. I just moved here from Arizona. Arizona golf is a little bit different when you're. When you're dealing with 107 degree weather and there's not the same views and stuff, but. Derek, hey, thank you so much for all your time this morning. I thought this was incredible. I thought it was super informative for our listeners. Just, I just can't say enough about how much I appreciate you giving us your time today.

[Derrick White]

Yeah, I appreciate you guys.

[Interviewer / Host]

All right, guys, that's all we have for today. As always, we appreciate you guys for supporting us and supporting the show. We will see you tomorrow.

[Podcast Host]

Foreign. This is an I heart podcast. Guaranteed human.