Show summary Hide summary
Derrick White just earned the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award, cementing his legacy. The Boston Celtics guard becomes the second consecutive Celtic to win this prestigious honor. Discover why his teammates voted him basketball’s class act.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Award Name: Joe Dumars Trophy, honoring sportsmanship on the court
- White’s Stats: Career-high 16.5 PPG, 5.4 APG, 1.3 BPG in 77 games
- Previous Winner: Jrue Holiday won for Boston last season
- Voting Method: NBA players selected White from 6 finalists with 2,828 total points
The Joe Dumars Trophy Celebrates Character
Since 1995-96, the NBA Sportsmanship Award recognizes players embodying the best values of basketball. The trophy honors Joe Dumars, the Hall of Famer who won the inaugural award and spent his entire 14-year career with Detroit. Derrick White joins this exclusive lineage, receiving endorsement directly from his peers across the league.
Brad Stevens, the Celtics president of basketball operations, praised White’s consistent character. Stevens stated that White has “represented everything that is good about the game,” exhibiting excellence both on and off the court throughout his Boston tenure.
Derrick White wins 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award, second straight Celtics winner
RJ Decker season finale airs tonight on ABC at 9/8c with South Florida showdown
Record-Breaking Season Demonstrates Elite Defense
White delivered a career-high 16.5 points per game this season while maintaining his defensive brilliance. The 31-year-old veteran averaged 4.4 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.1 steals, and a career-high 1.3 blocks across 77 starts. His defensive dominance earned him Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month honors in February.
White became the first Celtics player since Kevin Garnett to record 75+ steals and 75+ blocks in a single season. He is a two-time All-Defensive Team selection and an NBA champion from Boston’s 2023-24 title run. His impact extends beyond statistics into intangible leadership qualities his teammates respect.
Celtics Achieve Back-to-Back Sportsmanship Awards
Boston made history by winning the sportsmanship award in consecutive seasons. Jrue Holiday claimed the honor last year, making the Celtics just the second team to accomplish this feat. Holiday, who previously won the award with Milwaukee in 2020-21, exemplified the organization’s commitment to on-court character and professionalism.
| Category | Details |
| Award Name | Joe Dumars Trophy |
| Inaugural Winner | Joe Dumars (Hall of Famer) |
| 2024-25 Winner | Jrue Holiday (Celtics) |
| 2025-26 Winner | Derrick White (Celtics) |
The Celtics organization has cultivated a winning culture emphasizing respect and sportsmanship alongside elite competition. Brad Stevens has emphasized character in roster construction, and players like White exemplify this philosophy consistently.
“Derrick has represented everything that is good about the game since he entered the league. The Sportsmanship Award is a deserved honor because of how Derrick consistently carries himself, both on and off the court.”
— Brad Stevens, Celtics President of Basketball Operations
Off-Court Excellence and Community Impact
White’s accolades extend beyond on-court achievements. He earned the Red Auerbach Award in 2024, recognizing players exemplifying what it means to be a Celtic. Later that year, White received the Community Champion Award for contributions benefiting youth in need through the organization’s charitable initiatives.
At 31 years old, White has matured into a nine-year NBA veteran recognized for his professionalism. He previously helped the Austin Spurs win the NBA G League championship during his rookie season and earned a gold medal with the USA Men’s National Team at the 2024 Paris Olympics. These accomplishments underscore his commitment to excellence in every setting.
What Does Winning the Sportsmanship Award Mean for Derrick White’s Legacy?
The Sportsmanship Award represents the ultimate peer recognition. Current NBA players voted among six finalists selected from 30 team nominees, and White secured the most voting points with his standing among competitors. This honor reflects respect transcending team boundaries, as players across all franchises recognized his integrity and character.
Derrick White joins an elite group, including Mike Conley who holds the record with four awards. White’s achievement proves that defensive excellence, playmaking versatility, and exemplary conduct create lasting impressions in professional basketball. The award caps an outstanding season for both White and the Celtics organization.
