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Derrick White drives against Philadelphia 76ers Tyrese Maxey during the Boston Celtics’ Game 2 loss in their first-round playoff series.

The NBA announced Thursday that Derrick White of the Boston Celtics has been named the 2025-26 recipient of the league’s Sportsmanship Award, adding a significant honor to his résumé just days before a pivotal Game 3 in Boston’s first-round playoff series.

The recognition comes at a timely moment for White, who is looking to rebound from a difficult offensive showing in Game 2 against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Derrick White Wins NBA Sportsmanship Award for 2025-26 Season

The NBA’s Sportsmanship Award, presented annually since the 1995-96 season, honors the player who best exemplifies integrity, fairness, and respect on the court. The trophy is named after Hall of Fame guard Joe Dumars, who won the inaugural award.

White’s selection marks the second consecutive year a Celtics guard has earned the honor, following Jrue Holiday, who won the award last season before being traded to Portland.

Each NBA team nominates one player, with league executives narrowing the pool to six finalists—one from each division—before current players vote to determine the winner. This year’s finalists included Bam Adebayo, Harrison Barnes, Al Horford, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and T.J. McConnell.

McConnell finished as the runner-up, receiving more first-place votes (83 to White’s 77), but White’s advantage in second-place votes (113 to 72) helped him secure 2,827 total points, ahead of McConnell’s 2,566.

Celtics Guard Adds to Growing Career Résumé

While White has yet to earn an NBA All-Star selection, the 31-year-old continues to build one of the league’s most respected all-around résumés. He played a key role in Boston’s 2024 championship run, has been named to the All-Defensive Second Team twice (2023, 2024), and captured a gold medal with Team USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Known for his discipline and composure, White has become a model of consistency and professionalism—traits that voters often prioritize for the Sportsmanship Award.

His defensive impact also remains widely recognized. In this season’s Defensive Player of the Year voting, White finished sixth overall, earning two second-place votes and seven third-place votes for a total of 13 points. The award was won unanimously by Victor Wembanyama, who received all 100 first-place votes.

Defensive Impact Remains Key for Boston Celtics

Despite standing 6-foot-4, White is widely regarded as one of the league’s most effective perimeter defenders. He has consistently ranked among the top shot-blocking guards in the NBA, averaging 1.3 blocks per game—an unusually high figure for his position.

His instincts, positioning, and ability to disrupt opposing offenses have made him a crucial piece in Boston’s defensive schemes, especially in playoff settings where versatility is essential.

White’s contributions on that end have often offset offensive inconsistencies, a reality that has come into sharper focus during the current postseason.

Game 2 Struggles Highlight Offensive Concerns

The Sportsmanship Award announcement arrives on the heels of a challenging Game 2 for White, who finished with eight points on 3-of-12 shooting, including 2-of-10 from beyond the arc, in a 111-97 loss to Philadelphia.

Boston struggled to generate consistent scoring outside of its star duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Brown led all scorers with 36 points, but the Celtics’ supporting cast—White, Sam Hauser, and Neemias Queta—combined for just 22 points.

White’s recent stretch underscores the issue. He has scored 12 or fewer points in 10 of his last 11 games, raising questions about offensive consistency as the series intensifies.

Derrick White Focused on Bounce-Back in Game 3

Following practice, White addressed his performance candidly, emphasizing a need for improvement heading into Game 3.

“I’m just trying to take what’s given, honestly,” White told reporters. “Just looking to space the floor, and when you get a shot, you have to take it. Honestly, I just have to play better and so that’s all I’m focused on for Game 3.”

As Boston looks to regain momentum in the series, White’s ability to pair his elite defense with more efficient scoring could prove pivotal. While his Sportsmanship Award highlights his professionalism and respect across the league, the Celtics will need a more complete performance from their veteran guard to shift the series back in their favor.

Game 3 is in Philadelphia on Friday, April 24 at 7 p.m. ET.