Boston Celtics guard Derrick White revealed that Carmelo Anthony delivered his true welcome-to-the-NBA moment, schooling the young guard during a game early in White's career.
White, now a key piece for the Celtics, opened up about the experience in a recent interview. He said Anthony's skill and physicality left a lasting impression.
What did Derrick White say about Carmelo Anthony?
White recalled facing Anthony when the veteran was still with the Portland Trail Blazers. He described a specific play where Anthony backed him down and hit a tough jumper over him.
"That was my welcome-to-the-NBA moment," White said. He explained that Anthony's footwork and strength were on another level. It was a quick lesson in what the league's elite can do.
The moment stuck with White. He said it showed him the gap between college and pro basketball.
Why does this moment matter for Carmelo Anthony's legacy?
Anthony has long been known for his scoring ability. Stories like White's reinforce that reputation. Even later in his career, Anthony could still dominate younger players.
For a player like White, who has developed into a strong defender, that early test against Anthony was a benchmark. It showed what it takes to guard top-tier talent.
Anthony's career spanned 19 seasons. He played for the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. He was a 10-time All-Star.
How did Derrick White's career progress after that?
White entered the NBA as a 2017 first-round pick by the San Antonio Spurs. He spent four seasons there before being traded to the Celtics in 2022.
With Boston, White became a reliable two-way guard. He helped the Celtics reach the NBA Finals in 2022 and the Eastern Conference Finals multiple times. His defense and clutch shooting have made him a fan favorite.
White averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 5.2 assists in the 2023-24 season. He shot 39.6% from three-point range.
What does this say about Carmelo Anthony's impact?
Anthony's ability to leave a mark on younger players is part of his legacy. He wasn't just a scorer — he was a teacher on the floor.
White's story is one of many from players who faced Anthony. His combination of size, skill, and savvy made him a nightmare matchup for defenders.
Anthony retired in 2023 as one of the top 10 scorers in NBA history. He finished with 28,289 career points. Moments like the one White described are why he's remembered as one of the game's greats.