Jayson Tatum Reacts to Derrick White Announcement on Thursday

Brian Westerholt-Imagn Images

Jayson Tatum Reacts to Derrick White Announcement on Thursday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Apr 23, 2026 2:33 PM ET

Not all big moments in the NBA always come from buzzer-beaters or thrilling playoff wins. Sometimes, they show up in much quieter ways that show just as much about a team’s identity.

Recognition from around the league can hit different, especially when it shows how players are viewed outside of the box score.

On Thursday, one of those moments took place, and it quickly made its way through the basketball world. While the announcement itself stood on its own, the reactions that followed added another part of the story.

Among them was a response that stood out, not because it was lengthy or dramatic, but because of who it came from and what it represented inside one of the NBA’s top locker rooms.

That response came from Jayson Tatum.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) reacts during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies.Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Derrick White Earns League-Wide Respect

The NBA announced that Derrick White is the winner of the 2025-26 Sportsmanship Award, an honor given to the player who best represents integrity and respect on the court.

White received the Joe Dumars Trophy after leading the voting, finishing ahead of Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell. The recognition also marks back-to-back seasons a Boston Celtics player has won the award, following Jrue Holiday last year.

It’s not a stat-driven accolade, but around the league, it carries real meaning.

Jayson Tatum’s Reaction Says Plenty

Shortly after the announcement, Tatum took to Instagram and shared his reaction on his story, celebrating his teammate’s achievement.

While the message itself is very simple, it showed appreciation and pride, the kind that often shows teams with strong chemistry.

Moments like this don’t just highlight individual recognition. They show how players view each other behind the scenes.

Why This Matters For The Boston Celtics Right Now

For the Boston Celtics, this is about more than back-to-back winners. It shows off the culture the team has built, one that mixes competitiveness with professionalism.

White has been a massive part of that identity. While his production on the court remains important, his approach to the game has clearly been shown across the league. White was an integral part of the team while Tatum was sidelined for the first several months.

The Timing Makes This Moment Even Bigger

Boston is heading into a massive Game 3 showdown on the road with the Philadelphia 76ers, with the series tied 1-1. Emotions will be high for Friday's battle. That’s what makes Thursday’s announcement stand out even more. In the middle of playoff intensity, a superstar appreciates what his teammate has done all season long.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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