The Boston Celtics have been the subject of numerous offseason rumors as they aim to rebound from a disappointing end to their recent campaign. The Celtics’ season, which had so much promise, came crashing down due to a combination of unfortunate injuries and tough playoff exits. Among the most significant blows was the Achilles injury suffered by Jayson Tatum, a player widely regarded as the cornerstone of the franchise’s future. Yet, amid the flux of the offseason and swirling speculation, one story from the Celtics roster stands out — that of Derrick White, who has quietly evolved into a vital contributor for Boston since his arrival.
Derrick White’s journey to the Celtics is a tale of patience, growth, and unexpected turns. Having spent the first five years of his NBA career with the San Antonio Spurs, White developed under the tutelage of legendary head coach Gregg Popovich. His time in San Antonio was marked by steady improvement and a growing reputation as a reliable two-way player, yet the Spurs’ roster and rebuilding phase meant that White’s potential wasn’t fully realized until after his trade. The circumstances surrounding his move to Boston — and the candid, often humorous way White recalls them — offer fascinating insight into not only his own mindset but also the culture within one of the NBA’s most storied franchises, the Spurs.
White’s recounting of the trade was candid, colorful, and included a surprise revelation about how Popovich broke the news to him. On a recent episode of the podcast “White Noise,” White detailed the moment Popovich called him to inform him of the trade, revealing a side of the coach rarely glimpsed by fans — the blunt, humorous, and occasionally NSFW Popovich.
The conversation went something like this: Popovich calls Derrick White and asks, “What room are you in?” It’s the trade deadline, and White, not fully aware of what was coming, responds, “Oh, where am I going?” The legendary coach’s response? “We wouldn’t f\*ck you. We sent you to Boston.”
The moment, as White described, was a mix of shock, humor, and relief. “I just played that summer with JT, JB, and Smart,” White said, referencing Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart — the core Celtics players he was about to join. Having already formed relationships with several players on the Celtics roster, White was reassured by Popovich’s message that he’d be comfortable in Boston. “They’ll kind of bring you along,” Popovich assured him, highlighting the developmental culture Boston promised to offer.
White’s reflection on that call reveals much about the complexity of NBA trades and player experiences. On the one hand, being traded is a jarring, uncertain moment for any player — it upends personal and professional life with little warning. Yet, in White’s case, there was a sense of camaraderie and understanding behind the brusque humor. The bluntness of Popovich’s message, “We wouldn’t f\*ck you,” speaks to a level of respect — an assurance that the Spurs didn’t just discard White out of spite or lack of value, but rather saw Boston as a better fit for him.
This exchange also highlights the unique personality of Gregg Popovich, whose coaching legacy is well-documented, but whose off-court demeanor is equally legendary for its candor and wit. Known for being straightforward, sometimes irreverent, Popovich’s approach in this situation was less about sugarcoating and more about honesty. For White, that style seems to have provided clarity amid the chaos of trade rumors and uncertainty.
The trade itself marked a turning point in Derrick White’s career. After joining the Celtics, White’s role expanded dramatically. His versatility as a guard capable of handling the ball, defending multiple positions, and contributing timely offense quickly made him an integral part of Boston’s rotation. The transition wasn’t without its challenges — adjusting to a new system, teammates, and expectations requires mental toughness and adaptability — but White embraced the opportunity.
For the Celtics, acquiring White was part of a broader strategy to build a resilient, balanced team capable of competing at the highest levels. Boston’s roster has long been a blend of homegrown talent and strategic acquisitions, aiming to mesh athleticism, defense, and scoring. White’s skill set fit seamlessly into this vision, especially given his experience playing with some of the team’s star players during offseasons and summer leagues.
However, the offseason remains a critical time for the Celtics. The Achilles injury to Jayson Tatum, which occurred late in the season, casts a shadow over the team’s prospects. Tatum, the franchise’s leading scorer and a budding superstar, is expected to be sidelined for an extended period, forcing Boston to rethink its approach both on and off the court. In this context, players like Derrick White become even more vital — their ability to step up, lead, and maintain competitiveness can determine how successfully the Celtics navigate the challenges ahead.
White’s own mindset appears positive and focused. His recounting of the trade and the initial reaction to joining Boston suggest a player who sees opportunities rather than setbacks. The familiarity with some Celtics players — having played with Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Marcus Smart — undoubtedly eased the transition, but White’s work ethic and growth mindset have been the driving forces behind his emergence as a key contributor.
Behind the scenes, the trade deadline is often a period of tension, speculation, and strategic maneuvering. For players, it can be a time of anxiety and uncertainty as they await news of their futures. White’s story reminds fans that these moments are not just transactional; they are deeply personal and impact players’ lives in profound ways.
The blunt but supportive message from Popovich also underlines an important aspect of professional sports — relationships matter. Despite the business nature of trades, the bonds between players and coaches, and the respect built over years, remain meaningful. White’s shoutout to Popovich during the podcast underscores this sentiment: “We got Pop up here somewhere— For real, shoutout to Pop. We love that guy.”
Looking forward, the Celtics are preparing for a season where resilience will be key. The team’s ability to absorb injuries, maintain chemistry, and integrate players like Derrick White into expanded roles will be critical. White’s journey, from a Spurs player under Popovich to a burgeoning Celtics star, symbolizes the unpredictability and potential for growth inherent in NBA careers.
In conclusion, Derrick White’s revelation about how Gregg Popovich informed him of his trade to Boston adds a humanizing and humorous dimension to what is often viewed as a cold, business transaction. It shines a light on Popovich’s unique personality, the respect between player and coach, and the challenges and opportunities that come with being traded in professional sports. As the Celtics look to rebound from their recent setbacks, players like White, who embrace change and continue to grow, will be instrumental in shaping the team’s future success.
