In the high-flying world of NBA basketball, getting dunked on is an occupational hazard. But for San Antonio Spurs guard Derrick White, fear is not part of the equation. In a recent interview, White shared his perspective on shot-blocking, getting dunked on, and the camaraderie that exists even when a teammate throws down a poster-worthy slam.
The tweet reads:
“I don’t really have a fear of getting dunked on… You just gotta realize that if you play this game long enough, it’s gonna happen. Especially at this level… Aaron Nesmith dunked on me earlier in the year and that was pretty bad. That’s my guy too.”
"I don't really have a fear of getting dunked on… You just gotta realize that if you play this game long enough, it's gonna happen. Especially at this level… Aaron Nesmith dunked on me earlier in the year and that was pretty bad. That's my guy too."
Derrick White on his… pic.twitter.com/S1q2cXjNeo
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 11, 2024
Derrick White’s statement highlights a crucial aspect of defensive mentality in basketball: the acceptance of potential highlight-reel dunks by opponents while prioritizing overall defensive effectiveness.
Derrick White’s Dunk Block Challenge
Derrick White is known for his shot-blocking prowess. Standing at 6’4″, he often finds himself defending against taller opponents driving to the rim. But instead of fearing the highlight-reel dunk, White embraces the challenge. He understands that in a league filled with explosive athletes, getting dunked on is inevitable. It’s a badge of honor—a sign that he’s competing at the highest level.
Aaron Nesmith’s Slam
White’s honesty shines through when he recalls a particular moment earlier in the season. His friend and fellow player, Aaron Nesmith of the Boston Celtics, threw down a thunderous dunk over him. White admits, “That was pretty bad.” But there’s no bitterness or embarrassment. Instead, he appreciates the athleticism and skill required to execute such a play. Nesmith’s dunk became a shared memory—a story to tell over post-game dinners.
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