Dyson Daniels and Luke Travers were the latest Australian additions to the NBA after being selected by the New Orleans Pelicans and Cleveland Cavaliers in this year’s draft.
They will now be joined by another Aussie after Jack White was rewarded with a two-way contract with the Denver Nuggets for his strong form in the NBA’s Summer League.
The Melbourne United forward and former Duke captain has previously faced him in the Summer League, having joined the Nuggets late due to international commitments.
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Rather than struggle with the tight turnaround, White showed his best, putting up eight points, 15 rebounds, three blocks, two assists and a steal in an outstanding game against Cleveland.
That followed with 14 points, five rebounds, two steals and assists, and a block against the Clippers, further proving his value at both ends of the floor.
Speaking to Melbourne United’s club website ahead of his move to the Summer League, White said it was “an amazing opportunity” for him to “take another step towards” his “dream”.
United CEO Nick Truelson said the organization “couldn’t be prouder” of White in a statement posted to the club’s website on Monday.
“We saw the incredible amount of work he put in and with his talent, we felt like there was a real opportunity for him when he was selected to play in the Summer League,” Truelson said.
“Jack is an amazing person, athlete and player and we can’t wait to see what he can do now that he’s been given this opportunity in the NBA.”
White is more than comfortable on the big stage after spending four years of college at Duke under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski alongside NBA stars Zion Williamson, Jayson Tatum, RJ Barrett, Marvin Bagley III, Wendall Carter Jr., Grayson Allen, Luke Kennard and Harry played Giles and Cam Reddish.
Speak with foxsports.com.au Last year, White said that experience helped mold him into a “more complete player.”
“I learned how much better you can get if you challenge yourself against guys who are just super talented and then understand how you perform,” he said.
“Coming back into an environment like the NBL maybe the athleticism isn’t to the same extent, but I’m playing against guys now with the strength of a grown man and a lot more experience… it’s just a different game.
“But there are things I can get away with here that I wouldn’t have been able to do there in terms of sport. So I’m just trying to find a good middle ground and draw on those experiences with guys I played with and against in college, guys I play with and against now.
“It made me a more complete player and able to look at the game in a different way.”