San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expressed immense pride in Derrick White's development, citing his initial lack of belief in his NBA ability. White, now with the Boston Celtics, received loud applause and chants of 'White's an All-Star' during a game in San Antonio, where he scored 17 points. Popovich also provided an update on Zach Collins' ankle injury, estimating a 2-4 week recovery period. In response to Collins' absence, the Spurs signed Mamadi Diakite to a two-way contract.
#Spurs notebook: With Zach Collins sidelined for 2-4 weeks, help arrives in form of a two-way signee...Derrick White recalls how Pop helped him find his NBA footing. https://t.co/OVUJ1C1X5F
With Zach Collins out 2-4 weeks with an ankle injury, Spurs have signed Mamadi Diakite to a two-way contract. The 6-foot-9, 229-pound Guinean native and Virginia-ex will travel to Memphis. Diakite recently played for the Westchester Knicks in the G League.
Mamadi Diakite, Spurs Sign Two-Way Deal https://t.co/eoRD4FcwQB
Spurs sign Mamadi Diakite to two-way contract https://t.co/iSLktEcZdJ
Spurs just announced they signed Mamadi Diakite to a 2-way. Finally serious about winning #wahoowa
The San Antonio Spurs have signed forward Mamadi Diakite to a two-way contract, team says.
It was fitting, in some ways, that the latest wave of All-Star momentum for Derrick White came in San Antonio. It allowed a chance for White and his former coach, Gregg Popovich, to reflect on just how far the Colorado product has come. ✍️ @ByJayKing ⤵️ https://t.co/wJgNjWilaB https://t.co/nAIHYrh72z
Coach Popovich couldn't be more proud of Derrick White. 🫂 https://t.co/Y3knD0SP2v
Asked about the severity of Zach Collins’ sprained right ankle, Pop said “two to four weeks.” Collins suffered the injury Friday in Portland.
Crowd in San Antonio chanting “White’s an All-Star” and Celtics bench all got into for Derrick. https://t.co/sZHkrtTVMB
"White's an All-Star" chants breaking out here in San Antonio. A dude in a Pierce jersey started them.
Derrick White with 17 points against his former team after that throw-down slam.
Loud applause from the crowd for Derrick White as he's introduced with the Celtics' starters
"I couldn't be more proud of a player... when he first came, I don't think he believed he belonged in the NBA." Popovich on Derrick White https://t.co/5lfZ2SZFNu
Pop on DWhite: “I couldn’t be more proud of a player. When he first came, I don’t think he believed he belonged in the NBA and to watch him develop…has just been a thrill to watch. He is one of the greatest guys ever. And his confidence has just exploded.” https://t.co/X6Y73UiUe5