Duke basketball sees fan favorite earn berth into NBA Finals

A Duke basketball fan favorite is hoping to land an NBA Championship in his first season. 

It’s just about been a dream year for Duke basketball fan favorite Jack White.

After going undrafted, White went back home to Australia to play professionally and ruptured his achilles tendon in 2021, just mere months into his career.

However, the Blue Devil forward recovered tremendously only after eight months on the sidelines and earned himself an invitation to join the Denver Nuggets Summer League after he showcased his talents in the Australian NBL.

White averaged 7.8 points and 7.0 rebounds per game at the Las Vegas Summer League and immediately inked a two-way contract with the organization and had a chance to compete for a roster spot in training camp.

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The 6-foot-7 forward only continued his impressive play in the NBA G-League with the Grand Rapids Gold, the affiliate of the Nuggets.

Jack White averaged 20.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per contest while only playing 14 games with the team.

The numbers, more specifically minutes, haven’t translated over to his with in the NBA with the Nuggets, although he has played in 17 games averaging just 1.2 points and 1.0 rebounds per contest.

Duke basketball forward with chance at NBA Title

Despite the lack of playing time, Jack White will still have the chance to win an NBA Championship in his rookie season after Denver dispatched the Los Angeles Lakers in four games during the Western Conference Finals.

White has not played in the postseason for the Nuggets but is a fixture on the team’s next, although not dressed.

It’s incredible to see the career trajectory of Jack White considering he only averaged 2.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game during his four year career at Duke and in his best season with the Blue Devils he only posted 4.1 points per contest.

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The Denver Nuggets will either play the Boston Celtics or Miami Heat in the NBA Finals, which begin on Thursday, June 1.

Jack White could see his former Duke teammate, Jayson Tatum, should the Celtics be able to erase its 3-1 series deficit against the Heat.