2017 Orlando Magic Draft Preview: Who is Derrick White?

The Good

There is a lot to like when it comes to Derrick White. And a lot of that is indeed seen in his numbers.

He averaged 18.1 points per game. He could put up a lot of points quickly.

White is a scorer. And an efficient one, impressive for a player with such a high usage rate. He posted a 57.8 percent effective field goal percentage on a 25.3 percent usage rate. That is high efficiency on high usage, and that is something that typically translates to the next level.

Because White is 6-foot-4, he has good length for a point guard. That could make him a stronger defender and give him an advantage playing in the NBA. And his shooting makes it possible for him to play at shooting guard too. White could have a ton of versatility.

He is as capable of hitting a spot-up 3-pointer as he is to break a defender off the dribble and pull-up for a mid-range jumper. White is a scorer. And a pretty good one.

That is always a good place to start. White’s skills are pretty clearly defined. And even when his usage rate begins to drop, he should be able to fill a role in the league.

Orlando Magic

If anything, the big thing he had to do at the Combine and in workouts is to give himself some name recognition.

Watching White play, it is hard to think why he is not getting more buzz at the NBA Draft. He has so many skills that would seemingly translate.

His shot is smooth and compact. And with his size at the point guard, he should be able to get his shot off if defenses sag off him for whatever reason. He is smart with his attacks and can keep his turnovers down.

White will not have to be a volume scorer at the NBA level. That possibility remains if his only knock is his age. He has the potential to get on a streak and put together a good game. He did it so often at Colorado and did so efficiently.

Even if that is not what he becomes in the NBA. His shooting and intelligence with his attacks will make him a solid role player.