Not every player, even today, reacts well to be being sent to the NBA’s developmental league – known today as the G League – after having dreams of stardom at the NBA level. But even players destined to be among the best in the league, a stint playing at that level can be a key boost to one’s career and capabilities.
Such was the case for champion Boston Celtics point guard Derrick White, who talked about his first stint in the G League on an episode of former teammate Danilo Gallinari’s “A Cresta Alta” podcast. “My first time they sent me to the G League, it’s not a demotion,” said White.
“It’s an opportunity for you to get up and down to play,” added the University of Boulder alum. “The only way we’re going to get better is by playing.”
“Obviously you can learn a lot and when you’re up with the NBA team, but if you’re not getting those minutes, you’re not getting the reps, then in the long run, you’re going to get passed up,” he continued.
“And so, go down there, play the right way, learn, and I think it was just a great experience for me to go down there and figure out the NBA spacing, figure out the terminology where I’m supposed to be at, the 3-point line, everything that you don’t really get in college.”
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This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Boston Celtics Derrick White on how G League helped career
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