Popovich says Spurs guard Derrick White is expected to miss rest of season

San Antonio Spurs' Derrick White walks up the court during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in San Antonio. (AP Photo/Darren Abate) (Darren Abate, Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

MIAMI – The San Antonio Spurs do not expect starting guard Derrick White back this season because of a sprained right ankle, coach Gregg Popovich said Wednesday.

White was injured in the Spurs’ win in Washington on Monday. The fourth-year guard is averaging a career-best 15.4 points this season for San Antonio, which played 18 of its first 19 games this season without White because of a toe injury.

Recommended Videos



“You can imagine, his spirits are not high," Popovich said.

San Antonio was at Miami on Wednesday night.

White is not expected to require surgery. Rookie guard Devin Vassell will take White’s place in the starting lineup, Popovich said.

“When he gets minutes, he's played well," Popovich said of Vassell.

White has averaged 10.8 points in 188 games over his four seasons in San Antonio. He’s been the Spurs’ third-leading scorer this season behind DeMar DeRozan and Dejounte Murray.