Derrick White received one of the most prestigious distinctions a Boston Celtic could get Thursday night, when he was selected the Red Auerbach Award laureate for 2024.
Each year, the award is given to the Celtics player or coach who best embodies the spirit of what it means to be a Celtic via excellent performance on and off the court. And that’s precisely how White has carried himself this season.
White is durable and consistent on the court, as well as engaged and kind in the community. He embodies everything Auerbach would have wanted in a player.
“Derrick has been an integral part of this team both on and off the court,” said Celtics Lead Owner and Governor Wyc Grousbeck, who, with Co-Owner Robert Epstein, presented White with the trophy prior to Boston’s game against the New York Knicks. “He embodies what it means to be a Boston Celtic and has consistently shown up not only for his teammates, but for members of the community as a role model, mentor, and friend.”
Since its introduction in 2006, the Auerbach Award has been presented 19 times to 17 individual Celtics. The only players to win it twice are Paul Pierce (2006, 2013) and Kevin Garnett (2008, 2012), while Doc Rivers (2011) is the only coach to do it. The only other current Celtics to have been recognized are Al Horford (2017), Jayson Tatum (2021), and Jaylen Brown (2023).
White has had his finest NBA season to date, averaging 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.
However, his statistics do not represent the full tale of his impact.
“It’s just how he carries himself,” stated head coach Joe Mazzulla, explaining what makes White stand out. “As a Celtic and teammate, he embodies the essence of what it means to be a Celtic.” There are a thousand things he does at practice, in the locker room, and off the court that contribute to it. So there aren’t many people more deserving than him.”
Kristaps Porzingis could tell White was a fantastic talent from the first week they played together. His introduction to White’s tenacity came during the home opener, when the 6-foot-4 guard had two chase-down blocks against Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, and he said it was just a taste of what was to come this season.
“I was like, man, how did he even make it there?” Porzingis recalls the early defensive stops. “D-White doesn’t give up on any play, and this is the type of guy you want on your team that’s gonna give all on every possession.”
White has also given his best off the court. He has participated in a number of community activities, including Boston Scientific’s “Fit for a Cause” launch and Sun Life’s “Fit to Win” program. He also hosted the Strikes for Special Olympics Massachusetts bowling fundraiser and a Curbside Care ride-along to surprise parents in need with diapers, strollers, gift cards, and other items.
“It means a lot to Derrick to be recognized not only as a player, but also as a person,” said Brown, who won last year. “The Red Auerbach Award represents all of that, so shout out to Derrick.”
