BOSTON – Derrick White earned one of the more significant honors that a Boston Celtic could receive Thursday night when he was named the 2024 recipient of the Red Auerbach Award.
Each year, the recognition is given to the Celtics player or coach who best exemplifies the spirit of what it means to be a Celtic through exceptional performance on and off the court. And that is exactly how White has carried himself throughout the season.
Durable and consistent on the court, active and caring in the community, White represents everything that Auerbach would have loved 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, alongside Co-Owner Robert Epstein presented White with the award ahead of Boston’s matchup with 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.”
The Auerbach Award has been handed out 19 times to 17 different Celtics since its inception in 2006. Paul Pierce (2006, 2013) and Kevin Garnett (2008, 2012) are the only players to earn it twice and Doc Rivers (2011) is the only coach to have won it. Al Horford (2017), Jayson Tatum (2021), and Jaylen Brown (2023) are the only other current Celtics who have been honored.
From a playing standpoint, White has had by far his best NBA season yet, averaging career-highs of 15.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game.
However, his stats don’t tell the entire story of his impact.
“It’s just how he carries himself,” head coach Joe Mazzulla said of what allows White to stand out. “Who he is as a person, as a player, I would say he represents everything that it means to be a Celtic and a great teammate … There are a thousand things he does in practice or in the locker room or off the court that lead to that. So there’s not many people that are more deserving than he is.”
Kristaps Porzingis could tell White was a special player from their first week playing together. His introduction to White’s hustle came during the home-opener when the 6-foot-4 guard had two chase-down blocks against Miami Heat star Jimmy Butler, and how that was just a taste of what was to come for the season.
“I was like, man, how did he even make it there?” Porzingis recalled of those 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 it his all off the court. He has participated in several community events such as 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 did a Curbside Care ride-along to surprise parents in need with diapers, strollers, gift cards, and more.
“It means a lot for Derrick to be recognized for who he is as a player, but for who he is as a person, as well,” said Brown, last year’s winner. “The Red Auerbach Award represents all of that, so shout out to Derrick."