The 2024 NBA Finals between the Dallas Mavericks and Boston Celtics is dotted with players from Big 12 Conference programs.
Leading the way for that group is former Colorado guard and Celtics star Derrick White, a two-time All-NBA Defensive Team pick who averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, 1.2 blocks and 1.0 steals during the 2023-24 regular season. He's playing in his second NBA Finals in three seasons after losing to the Golden State Warriors in 2022.
White, who is in his seventh season, is joined on the Boston roster by former Kansas guard/forward Svi Mykhailiuk, a second-round pick by the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018 who is on his seventh team in six seasons.
Former Arizona guard Josh Green and former Kansas forward Markieff Morris both come off the bench for the Mavericks. Another former Arizona guard, Brandon Williams, is also listed on the Dallas roster but hasn't played in a game since April.
Morris, who is in his 13th season, won an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020.
The Celtics are trying to win their first title since 2008. The Mavericks last won a title in 2011.
That time Derrick White dropped 50 points, 14 boards, 8 assists and 5 steals in a tournament game for UCCS
— Tom Petrini (@RealTomPetrini) May 12, 2020
This highlight has everything:
✅ Wild moves
✅ Insane defense
✅ Gutsy shooting/passing
✅ 9-0 run for the comeback W pic.twitter.com/CoOdfm2KWo