Open Thread: For this Spurs fan the NBA Finals are all about Derrick White

Game 1 kicks off the series tonight

As a Spurs fan, I have often stated that I root “against” more than I root “for.”

If the Spurs are not playing, my allegiance goes with the team that offends my silver-and-black sensibilities the least.

In a straight-up Boston Celtics/Dallas Mavericks series, I would ask myself which is less offensive to the Spurs – their I-35 rival winning or a historic team winning their eighteenth title (moving the marker that much further for the Spurs to catch up)?

To be honest, I don’t think in those terms anymore. I view the game differently. But one thing remains — I am a Spurs fan.

And with that, I am rooting for Derrick White.

There are no former Spurs on the Mavericks, but if there were, I am not sure if that player would outshine White in my mind.

I was fortunate to cover many of White’s community events while he was with the Spurs. In a pre-pandemic world, White was a fantastic ambassador of goodwill for the Spurs.

He was the guest of honor at Whataburger’s Whatcha Reading? event. Not only did he make an appearance where the whole school celebrated, he then emceed a special Jeopardy-style game with a select group of students.

He spent extra time visiting with the kids. He put on the Whataburger mask and goofed with the guests long after he was scheduled to make his exit.

White was also the Spurs representative when USAA hosted their Military Training Camp, and opportunity for servicemen and women to play some basketball on the Spurs hardwood under the tutelage of actual Spurs coaches.

Again, White came in to make a statement, thank the teams for their service, take some pictures, and sign some autographs. But White made it more of the event and embraced the experience, once again staying on longer to enjoy himself.

And then there was the annual Christmas cheer.

If there is one experience that has moved me is watching a gym for of underprivileged children see their heroes — Popovich, players (in this case Derrick White), and the Coyote — make an appearance at their school. The moment they realize that they are being outfitted with brand new shoes…I’ll get say even to this day those moments resonate with me.

Tie in Derrick’s unique road to the NBA and his reaction to Pop calling him on Draft Night 2017, it’s hard not to be a lifelong fan.

He’s always smiling, he’s always putting his best foot forward, he gives it all on and off the court, and he was a born Spurs personality.

That’s how I always see Derrick White.

And that’s why I am rooting for White in these NBA Finals to pick up a ring.

Go Derrick Go!

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