A considerable portion of Spurs supporters appeared overjoyed in social media posts and comment sections after the Celtics won the series and sealed the deal. Derrick White is a significant aspect in addition to the rival Mavericks’ recent losing record, which explains part of the situation.
White continues to have the kind of devotion from Spurs supporters that is usually reserved for players who have won championships, spent more time in San Antonio, or both. It’s a unique relationship that has held up thus far, and it will be intriguing to see if it can as his career progresses.
Beyond simply appearing like a wonderful man, White’s ascension and trade for San Antonio provide context for why he’s so well-liked. White was selected before of the most dismal Spurs campaign in memory, as the Kawhi Leonard scandal caused a team with hopes of making the playoffs to lose in the first round, which was followed by Manu Ginobili’s retirement and Leonard’s trade. White was an afterthought in his rookie season, but as a sophomore, he seized charge, starting as point guard in place of the injured Dejounte Murray and playing a fantastic game in the Nuggets’ first-round elimination game. White was modest yet self-assured, unselfish at all times. When Spurs supporters were desperate for stability and optimism, he provided it.
White’s status as a Spurs fan favorite was further cemented in the wake of his trade. Unlike with Dejounte Murray or Kawhi Leonard, there was no controversy surrounding his departure, thus his reputation remains unharmed and the memories can be enjoyed without reservations. Another significant factor has been his behavior after being transported. White never made grandiose remarks, and it seems like his colleagues adore him and are appreciative of the squad that selected him. He has benefited from the contrast with the more contentious Murray. He was victorious as well. Seeing White succeed without sacrificing any of the qualities that made him Spurs-y in the first place gave some indirect pride to those who suffered through the rebuild and served as a break from the never-ending reminder that San Antonio was losing.
Ironically, White’s success may prevent him from being associated with the Spurs in the future—at least not from the outside. For a player who started for and was a key component of an NBA champion, the seven-game first-round loss to Denver doesn’t seem as remarkable. In addition, White has already played more minutes in Boston than he did in San Antonio. Although his numbers with the Celtics are strikingly similar to those he was posting in San Antonio, there is a perception that White has improved significantly because of the team success that he was unable to find in San Antonio, through no fault of his own. White will be inexorably tied to the Celtics if he signs the anticipated deal and plays in Boston for a few more competitive seasons.
In addition, the Spurs are about to embark on a phase of their rebuilding where focus will shift inside. When San Antonio was mired in mediocrity or rebuilding, it was easy to root for the success of former players because titles were out of reach. But that may soon change if Victor Wembanyama keeps improving as anticipated and the front staff makes some smart signings this offseason. White’s Celtics will eventually stand in the Spurs’ way, but they won’t necessarily be viewed as a competitor because they are in the East and have already accomplished the greatest things. Furthermore, rather than honoring the original White, supporters will be more focused on identifying the future White.
Fortunately, that day has not yet arrived. For the time being, White’s supporters from Day 1 may still feel a little smug about him, and the Spurs had a little hand in at least some of his success. His time in San Antonio will always be remembered with fondness because he is not likely to waste the goodwill of the Silver and Black fans, unlike previous fan favorites like Stephen Jackson and, to a lesser extent, Dejounte Murray did.
The relationship between White and the Spurs’ supporters will inevitably wane as the team hopes to contend, but the new players will have large shoes to fill. It won’t be simple for White to become the new favorite, as George Hill and Patty Mills did before him, despite the fact that his talent and character made a lasting effect in San Antonio.