Derrick White Reflects On Joining Michael Jordan On Exclusive List

On Aug 5, 2023

Derrick White of the Boston Celtics has had a wild few months.

Not only did he receive a huge promotion, but he also created one of the most talked-about moments of the playoffs.

Back in May, he became only the second player ever to hit a game-winning buzzer-beater while trailing and facing elimination.

The first player to do it was none other than Michael Jordan in 1989.

“When people told me that right after the game, it was pretty nuts,” White told Malika Andrews of ESPN.

White added that his mother was very excited when she heard the news and he then added: “It’s pretty insane and I’m in great company.”

The buzzer-beater came at the very end of Game 6 against the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Finals.

It looked like the Celtics were about to pack up their bags and go home.

But then White snuck under the bucket and tipped in a last-minute shot that secured a seventh game.

The Celtics would ultimately lose that next game, of course, but White’s incredibly clutch play is still being celebrated.

It’ll be on the minds of many fans when the next season begins and White starts a new chapter in his career.

Now that Marcus Smart has left the Celtics, White is the new starting point guard for the team.

That adds a lot more pressure – and a lot more possibility – for the young player.

He said that he is ready to take on that challenge, handle the ball more, and work even closer with his fellow players and coaching staff.

He proved how important he is to the team in the playoffs and he is ready to do it again all season long in 2023-24.