8
Nov
5 min read
Aussies in NBA history: Jack White
Australian Jack White #10 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during Denver Nuggets Media Day at Ball Arena on September 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Matthew Stockman/Getty Images
Jack White: Championship-winning role player with Denver Nuggets
- Won an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023
- Represented Australia in multiple international junior tournaments
- Played college basketball for Duke University as a team captain
Jack White is an Australian basketball player who has made significant strides in his professional career, from the NBL to becoming an NBA champion.
Name: Jack White
Age: 27
Team(s): Melbourne United; Denver Nuggets; South Bay Lakers; and Memphis Grizzlies
Position: Forward
Size: 6'7" (201 cm)
Weight: 222 lbs (101 kg)
Jack White is known for his versatility and high basketball IQ on the court. As a forward, he possesses a solid all-around game that allows him to contribute in various ways. White's defensive prowess is particularly noteworthy, with his ability to guard multiple positions effectively due to his size and agility.
Offensively, White has developed into a reliable three-point shooter, stretching the floor and creating spacing for his teammates. His willingness to do the dirty work, such as setting screens, grabbing rebounds, and hustling for loose balls, makes him a valuable asset to any team he plays for.
Jack White's Career
Jack White's basketball journey began in Traralgon, Victoria, where he honed his skills before joining the Australian Institute of Sport in Canberra. His talent caught the eye of several NCAA Division I programs, ultimately leading him to Duke University, one of the most prestigious basketball programs in the United States.
At Duke, White's role evolved over his four-year collegiate career. He served as a team captain in his junior and senior years, showcasing his leadership abilities both on and off the court. While his statistical contributions may not have been eye-popping, White's impact was felt through his defensive intensity, basketball intelligence, and ability to contribute in clutch situations.
After going undrafted in the 2020 NBA draft, White returned to Australia, signing a three-year deal with Melbourne United in the NBL. This move allowed him to further develop his game in a professional setting while staying close to home.
White's breakthrough came in 2022 when he signed a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets. Although his playing time was limited, appearing in 17 games and averaging 1.2 points per game, White was part of the Nuggets' championship-winning squad in the 2022-2023 season. This experience provided him with invaluable exposure to the highest level of basketball and the opportunity to learn from some of the best players in the world.
Following his stint with the Nuggets, White briefly signed with the Oklahoma City Thunder but was waived during final roster cuts. He then joined the South Bay Lakers in the NBA G League, continuing to work on his game and pursue his NBA dream.
Five Fast Facts
- White won a silver medal with the Australian team at the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai.
- He played alongside future NBA stars Zion Williamson, RJ Barrett, and Cam Reddish during his time at Duke University.
- White made his senior national team debut for Australia in the 2023 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.
- He achieved a career-high performance against China in international play, recording a 16-point, 14-rebound double-double.
- White was drafted first overall in the 2023 NBA G League Draft by the Texas Legends before being traded to the South Bay Lakers.
Career Highlights Timeline
2014: Won silver medal at FIBA Under-17 World Championship
2015: Competed in FIBA Under-19 World Championship, averaging 8.3 points and 3.9 rebounds per game
2016: Called up to play for Cairns Taipans in the NBL as an injury replacement
2019: Helped Australia win bronze at the Summer Universiade in Italy
2020: Signed three-year deal with Melbourne United in the NBL
2022: Signed two-way contract with Denver Nuggets
2023: Won NBA championship with Denver Nuggets
2024: Signed 10-day contract with Memphis Grizzlies
2024: Returned to Melbourne United on a two-year deal
Jack White's basketball journey exemplifies the growing pipeline of Australian talent making waves in the global basketball scene. From his early days in Victoria to winning an NBA championship, White has consistently demonstrated his value as a versatile, team-oriented player.
While his NBA career is still in its early stages, White's experience with the Denver Nuggets and his continued development in the G League and NBL position him well for future opportunities. His commitment to representing Australia on the international stage further cements his status as a rising star in Australian basketball.
