San Antonio Spurs Fans React to Derrick White Selection

Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) reacts after a play in the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) reacts after a play in the second half against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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How did the San Antonio Spurs fans react to the selection of Derrick White in the 2017 NBA Draft?

The NBA Draft is always one of the most anticipated nights of the basketball calendar. It sees the introduction of the newest faces to the league, with 30 teams selecting players from college. This includes the San Antonio Spurs, who had two picks going into the 2017 Draft.

The first selection came at No. 29, the same pick San Antonio had in 2016. They used this on Dejounte Murray, a point guard out of Washington.

So, with its first pick, the Spurs took Derrick White, a point guard from Colorado. He played Division-III basketball, before transferring to the Buffaloes for the 2016-17 season.

This pick drew plenty of reactions from Spurs fans on Twitter. What did they say?

Congrats Derrick White, rep the 303 in San Antonio man✊?

— YUT (@Jacob94Taylor) June 23, 2017

Big congrats to Derrick White and his family! An absolutely perfect situation with the Spurs. What an amazing story. @RamblinWreck34

— Daron Arnold (@RJSquirrel33) June 23, 2017

Congrats to Derrick White (and anybody else) drafted by the @spurs, the league's consummate talent ID and developers. #NBAdraft2017

— Doug Martin (@dougmartin96) June 23, 2017

so excited that the spurs got a steal with derrick white this draft, every year the spurs somehow steal someone great #GoSpursGo

— Ashley (@ashg803) June 23, 2017

Aint gonna lie, after 7 minutes of research I believe Derrick White is gonna be legit. Looks like a future Manu type off the bench.

— Tob (@WhatAboutTob) June 23, 2017

*follows Derrick White on every social media*

— Robz. (@Robert_zepeda20) June 23, 2017

I COACHED AGAINST DERRICK WHITE FOR 3 YRS AT D2 LEVEL. HE KILLED US.EVEN BETTER KID. NOW I DONT FEEL SO BAD. HE SEEMED LIKE A PRO. NOW HE IS

— Louis Wilson (@CoachLWilson) June 23, 2017

Oh wow, so Derrick White is a future MVP? Wow good for him!

— Michael Bradley (@silentcoyote3) June 23, 2017

3 years ago Derrick White was playing D2 ball don't ever give up on your dreams! If you put in the work anything is possible

— SwaggyT4© (@Troy_Finao) June 23, 2017

Derrick White (if he stays with Spurs) will be amazing. Honestly see big things with him.

— Ango (@TangoWithAngo) June 23, 2017

It’s mostly positive reactions from the Spurs fans, who seem confident in what White can provide. He still has to step onto the court first, before he can be anointed a star player, but there are things to like about his game.

White has a 6-foot-8 wingspan, which is impressive for a point guard. There’s the chance of him at least becoming a quality defender, along with a shot that that excelled in his one year at Colorado.

As for the fit, the Spurs needed a point guard. They will be without Tony Parker for part of the 2017-18 season, due to a quad injury. He’s also nearing 20 years in the NBA, so even with Dejounte Murray as a young option at this position, getting extra depth is worth the gamble.

Given White’s ability from the perimeter, he can spell at shooting guard when needed. That will give Gregg Popovich some versatility, especially in smaller lineups.

Next: Top 10 First-Round Picks in Spurs History

How did you react to this selection? Did the Spurs make the right choice?