Updated: February 26, 2026
Derrick White Parents: Derrick White has become one of the most reliable and versatile players in the NBA, earning praise as the “Swiss Army Knife” for the Boston Celtics. But behind every great athlete is a strong support system, and for Derrick, that starts with his parents, Richard and Colleen White. Their unwavering belief, relentless encouragement, and shared passion for the game helped turn a lightly recruited high school kid into an NBA champion and All-Star caliber guard. Let’s dive into the story of Derrick White’s parents and how they shaped his incredible path.
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Who Are Derrick White’s Parents?
Derrick White was born on July 2, 1994, in Parker, Colorado, to Richard White and Colleen White. The couple raised their family in Colorado, where they still reside, blending a mix of backgrounds—Richard is of African-American heritage, while Colleen is Caucasian—creating a supportive, multicultural household.
Richard, born in 1960 in Boston, has been a lifelong die-hard Celtics fan. Growing up during the Celtics’ golden era, he idolized players like Jo Jo White and carried that passion with him when he moved west. Interestingly, this Boston connection made Derrick’s 2022 trade to the Celtics feel like destiny for the family. Colleen, on the other hand, works as a legal assistant in an insurance company, providing stability while cheering on her son’s dreams from the sidelines.
Both parents have been vocal in interviews about their pride in Derrick’s rise, often describing his journey as a family effort.
The Role of Richard White: A Celtics Fan Turned Proud Dad
Richard White’s influence on Derrick goes far beyond genetics—he was the driving force behind his son’s persistence in basketball. Knowing Derrick’s late growth spurt (Richard himself had one in college), he stayed optimistic even when recruiters overlooked his son.
- Relentlessly emailed college coaches when Derrick received zero Division I offers out of high school.
- Celebrated every milestone, from Derrick’s time at UCCS to his NBA success.
- Became a fan favorite on Celtics Twitter (now X) for his positive, level-headed takes during games.
Richard’s Boston roots added extra emotion when Derrick joined the Celtics. In podcasts and interviews, he’s shared heartfelt moments, like the thrill of watching his son contribute to Boston’s championships.
Colleen White: The Steady Force and Emotional Anchor
Colleen White has been the quiet powerhouse in Derrick’s corner. In a 2025 interview with CelticsBlog, she opened up about the early doubts—Derrick was just 5’6″ in high school with a “baby face,” and many wrote him off.
Yet Colleen and Richard refused to let negativity win. She emphasized how the family leaned on each other, turning rejections into fuel. Colleen’s perspective highlights the emotional side of the journey: “The world kind of shot us down,” she said, but their belief never wavered.
Today, she beams with pride watching Derrick thrive, calling his rise “an amazing journey” that still feels surreal.
Derrick White: Quick Facts and Family Influence
Here’s a quick overview of key details about Derrick White and his family background:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Derrick Richard White |
| Birth Date | July 2, 1994 (Age 31 as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Parker, Colorado, USA |
| Parents | Richard White (Father), Colleen White (Mother) |
| Father’s Background | Born 1960 in Boston, lifelong Celtics fan, African-American heritage |
| Mother’s Occupation | Legal assistant in insurance |
| Family Ethnicity | Mixed (African-American and Caucasian) |
| Siblings | Older sister named Brianna |
| Current Team (2026) | Boston Celtics |
| 2025-26 Season Averages | 17.1 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.5 BPG, 1.2 SPG |
| Key Nicknames | “The Buffalo,” “Swiss Army Knife” |
These stats showcase Derrick’s well-rounded game in the 2025-26 season, where he’s averaging strong numbers for a contending Celtics team.
Conclusion: A Legacy Built on Love and Belief
Derrick White’s success isn’t just about talent—it’s a testament to the foundation laid by Richard and Colleen White. From emailing coaches to staying positive through setbacks, they showed what true parental support looks like. Richard’s Celtics fandom came full circle, and Colleen’s steady encouragement kept the family grounded.
In a league full of stories, the Whites remind us that behind every buzzer-beater and championship ring are parents who believed when no one else did. As Derrick continues to shine in Boston, his parents’ influence remains clear: hard work, resilience, and family love win every time.