Many times, being a coach can cloud judgment about certain things that happen with some players and their performance on the court. This is exactly what happened to the head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kenny Atkinson, who this past Sunday, March 8, 2026, delivered a statement that immediately drew widespread attention.
In his remarks, he mentioned Derrick White as part of the select group of the five best players in the entire NBA. While White has indeed been one of the most efficient and reliable pieces for the Boston Celtics in recent seasons, he is nowhere near belonging to that exclusive category of elite players that dominate conversations about the very best in the league.
As was to be expected, after this comment, social media exploded almost instantly, and users quickly took to their platforms to express what they thought about the statement.
Social media explodes after Kenny Atkinson’s comment
What Atkinson said immediately caught the attention of internet users, who did not let the moment pass without making jokes and sarcastic remarks about it.
Drug test him,
One fan said.
White is a phenomenal role player. But exactly that, a role player,
Another fan said.
He’s good, but top 5 is a stretch. He’s 3rd on his own team.
Said another fan.
Ain’t no way, he wouldn’t even start on the Cavs.
The fan commented.
Weird way of admitting you can only name 8 players in the league.
Another fan said.
Derrick White is an exceptional player but this is a ridiculous statement.
Said another fan.
At the moment, the Celtics hold a record of 43-21 and occupy second place in the Eastern Conference standings, while the Cleveland Cavaliers arrive with a 39-25 record, placing them in the fourth position in the same conference and continuing their push during the current NBA season.
Joe Mazzulla’s reaction to the comments Kenny Atkinson made about Derrick White
The Cavs coach did not hold anything back in making it clear how much admiration he has for Boston Celtics guard Derrick White after the loss his team suffered against them by a score of 109-98. Following the game, the Celtics’ head coach addressed the situation and spoke about the type of player White has become within the structure of the team.
I think one of the hardest things to do in the NBA is learn how to have complete confidence and also be a connector and make other people around you better, and I think he does both of that. So, he’s the kind of guy… we have a bunch of guys on our team like that.
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