'Keep it rolling': White's fight for Hawks contract

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Australian forward Jack White knows what it takes to make an NBA roster and the 27-year-old is trying to strike the right balance for the Atlanta Hawks in the 2025 Summer League in Las Vegas, Nevada.

"I think that’s probably one of the main struggles that guys sort of face coming here to Summer League," White told NBL.com.au's Derek Rucker after the Hawks beat the Suns 98-80 on Monday, July 14, 2025 (AEST).

"There’s a fine line between trying to prove yourself and show what you can do, being ultra aggressive — but at the same time, teams are looking for guys that can play a role.

"For me, my role in the NBA is coming in, playing good defense, talking, being a good teammate, shooting open shots — and just playing to win.

"So, I feel like if I can do that and showcase that here, it’s gonna be recognised."

White said his focus was impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Against the Suns, White earned himself 24 minutes off the bench. He finished with 10 points, two rebounds, an assist, two steals and three blocks and was +8.

(I'm) just trying to obviously show what I can do," White added.

"I feel like my versatility on both ends is gonna be a strength. You know, I’m enjoying how we play.

"We wanna get out in transition, we wanna run, we wanna play fast, and we wanna speed up the team on the other end defensively.

"So, just trying to showcase how I’m able to defend the paint, defend on the perimeter, and also turn around and shoot the ball at a high level — and get on the rim a couple of times."

Regardless of the outcome, White said it was fun to be back at the NBA level.

"It was just fun to compete," he said.

"You know, I’ve been in Atlanta for almost a week leading up to coming out here to Vegas, so I was just excited to get some games under our belts.

"Sick of, I guess, beating up my teammates in practice and that — and I know I can say the same on behalf of them.

"But no, it was fun. Good to get a win when you start off well and hopefully keep it rolling."

The Hawks next game is Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at 6.30am AEST against Houston.