Введение
Американский баскетболист (1946–2018)
баскетболист
the basketball player
Джозеф Генри Уайт (16 ноября 1946 – 16 января 2018) – американский баскетболист. На любительском уровне он играл в Университете Канзаса, где дважды был включен в символическую сборную All-American второй команды. Уайт входил в состав мужской сборной США по баскетболу на летних Олимпийских играх 1968 года, где команда завоевала золотую медаль. В драфте НБА 1969 года Уайт был выбран под 9-м номером командой «Бостон Селтикс», за которую он выступал в течение десяти сезонов, выиграв чемпионат НБА в 1974 и 1976 годах и став самым ценным игроком финала в 1976 году. Семикратный участник Матча всех звезд НБА, Уайт установил клубный рекорд «Селтикс», проведя 488 игр подряд. В 1982 году «Селтикс» вывели из обращения его номер 10. В 2015 году он был введен в Зал славы баскетбола Naismith Memorial.
Ранние годы
Уайт родился в Сент-Луисе, сын баптистского пастора Джорджа Л. Уайта-старшего и его жены Элизабет Ребекки Гинн. Будучи младшим из семи детей, у него было три старшие сестры: Ширли, Адлеан и Айрин, и три старших брата: Джордж, Девитт и Рональд. Он начал играть в баскетбол в шесть лет и обнаружил, что спорт стал ключевой платформой для его сообщества. В детстве он болел за «Сент-Луис Хоукс».
White joined the team in mid season, enjoyed immediate success, and entered the NCAA tournament. They played dominantly but encountered a physical Texas Western squad, now known as University of Texas at El Paso, in the Midwest regional final. During the first overtime, White took and made a shot (a 35 foot runner) as the buzzer sounded, but he was ruled out of bounds by referee Rudy Marich. The team lost this thriller in the second overtime to Texas Western, who went on to win the championship. The game against Texas Western was featured in the 2006 film Glory Road, which was about the 1966 Texas Western team. White became a leader of the team, and made the consensus NCAA All American Second Team in 1968 and 1969. He made the All Big Eight team the three subsequent years (1967–1969) Due to his early enrollment, White had only one semester of eligibility and Head Coach Ted Owens opted to have White play for the 18 games in the first semester rather than eight in the second. He graduated with a degree in physical education. The U. S. Olympic Basketball Committee allocated four roster spots to the NCAA, two to the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), three to the Armed Forces, one to Junior College (Spencer Haywood), and two to the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The American team, led by White and Haywood unexpectedly went undefeated (9–0), beating Yugoslavia 65–50 in the gold medal game. White described his reaction:
text=Going into the Olympic Games we weren't the overwhelming favorites to win the gold medal. We weren't even considered the strongest team in the tournament. That billing went to the Russians, who were upset by Yugoslavia in the semifinals. But we were the more determined team, and I think that's what set us apart. This victory was the last in a streak of seven consecutive gold medals for the United States men's team. by the NBA's Boston Celtics, who at that time had just won their 11th Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 13 years. There was some reluctance during the time of the basketball draft as White had a mandatory two year military commitment with the US Marine Corps. Then Boston general manager, Red Auerbach was able to shorten White's commitment and allow him to participate in the 1969–70 NBA season. He later stated that his short stint helped him prepare for his first Celtics training camp,
text=I was a Marine, so I had been through all the physical and mental challenges that comes with military training. Plus I was in excellent condition because of my military obligation, so I feel that this gave me an added advantage. However, before White even reported to training camp, the Celtics' center and player coach Bill Russell announced his retirement and cut ties to the organization. The Celtic's long time shooting guard Sam Jones also ended his career, requiring White to replace those duties. With the sudden departure of Russell and Jones, White endured a rebuilding season during which the franchise experienced their first losing season (34–48) since 1950, the year before Red Auerbach was hired. White made the All NBA rookie team during the 1970 season. The Celtics got back on track by drafting Dave Cowens, trading for Paul Silas, retaining veteran John Havlicek, and hiring coach Tommy Heinsohn. With White leading the attack from the point guard position, the team returned to its winning ways in 1971. He was an All Star for seven straight years from 1971 through 1977, finishing in the top ten in the league in assists from 1973–1977. In 1972, he participated in the now defunct NBA One on One 16 man tournament where he reached the championship (which occurred during halftime of Game 5 of the Finals) and faced 6'11" Detroit Piston Bob Lanier, who used his eight inch height advantage to win the $15,000 prize. In 1974, White and the Celtics reached the 1974 NBA Finals. They faced the Milwaukee Bucks who were returning with their championship winning core from the 1971 NBA Finals, including future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. With the Bucks' starting point guard, Lucius Allen, injured at the onset of the playoffs, White led a small, quick line up featuring undersized, All Star Cowens at center, to the first Celtics championship in the Post Russell era. The following season, White led the Celtics in minutes in a season where they finished 1st in NBA Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record but lost the Eastern Conference Finals. In 1976, White was part of a dominant Celtics squad which featured 5 veterans averaging double digit scoring. During the playoffs, White led the Celtics to the NBA championship and was a starring player in what is often referred to as "the greatest game ever played" — Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in NBA history. In the triple overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in game 5 of those finals, White was the game's high scorer with 33 points, had a game high 9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 128–126 win. Logging 60 minutes of play time, only the Suns' Garfield Heard (61) played more minutes. White was named the most valuable player of the 1976 NBA Finals. White went on to become one of professional basketball's first "iron men", playing in all 82 games for five consecutive seasons during the 1970s and setting a franchise record of 488 consecutive games played. White suffered an injury during the 1977–78 season. With the end of the streak, White and the aging Celtics became a less effective squad and followed their championship with an exit from playoff semifinals in 1977 and then two losing seasons.
Уайт присоединился к команде в середине сезона, сразу же добился успеха и вышел в турнир NCAA. Они играли доминирующе, но столкнулись с физически мощной командой «Техасский Запад», ныне известной как Университет Техаса в Эль-Пасо, в региональном финале Среднего Запада. Во время первого овертайма Уайт совершил бросок (бег с 35 футов) под звук сирены, но судья Руди Марич засчитал нарушение правил – выход за пределы площадки. Команда проиграла этот захватывающий матч во втором овертайме «Техасскому Западу», который впоследствии выиграл чемпионат. Игра против «Техасского Запада» была показана в фильме 2006 года «Дорога славы», посвященном команде «Техасский Запад» 1966 года. Уайт стал лидером команды и вошел во вторую сборную All-NCAA American в 1968 и 1969 годах. В течение трех последующих лет (1967–1969) он попадал в первую сборную All-Big Eight. Из-за раннего поступления у Уайта остался только один семестр права на участие, и главный тренер Тед Оуэнс решил, что Уайт сыграет в 18 играх в первом семестре, а не в восьми во втором. Он получил степень в области физического воспитания. Олимпийский комитет США по баскетболу выделил четыре места в составе для NCAA, два для AAU (Аматорского спортивного союза), три для Вооруженных сил, одно для младшего колледжа (Спенсер Хейвуд) и два для NAIA (Национальной ассоциации межвузовской атлетики). Американская команда, возглавляемая Уайтом и Хейвудом, неожиданно одержала победу во всех девяти матчах (9–0), победив Югославию со счетом 65–50 в игре за золотые медали. Уайт описал свою реакцию: «Когда мы входили в Олимпийские игры, мы не были явными фаворитами на золото. Нас даже не считали сильнейшей командой на турнире. Этот статус принадлежал советской команде, которую в полуфинале обыграла Югославия. Но мы были более решительной командой, и, думаю, именно это нас отличало. Эта победа стала последней в серии из семи золотых медалей подряд для мужской сборной США».
White joined the team in mid season, enjoyed immediate success, and entered the NCAA tournament. They played dominantly but encountered a physical Texas Western squad, now known as University of Texas at El Paso, in the Midwest regional final. During the first overtime, White took and made a shot (a 35 foot runner) as the buzzer sounded, but he was ruled out of bounds by referee Rudy Marich. The team lost this thriller in the second overtime to Texas Western, who went on to win the championship. The game against Texas Western was featured in the 2006 film Glory Road, which was about the 1966 Texas Western team. White became a leader of the team, and made the consensus NCAA All American Second Team in 1968 and 1969. He made the All Big Eight team the three subsequent years (1967–1969) Due to his early enrollment, White had only one semester of eligibility and Head Coach Ted Owens opted to have White play for the 18 games in the first semester rather than eight in the second. He graduated with a degree in physical education. The U. S. Olympic Basketball Committee allocated four roster spots to the NCAA, two to the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), three to the Armed Forces, one to Junior College (Spencer Haywood), and two to the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The American team, led by White and Haywood unexpectedly went undefeated (9–0), beating Yugoslavia 65–50 in the gold medal game. White described his reaction:
text=Going into the Olympic Games we weren't the overwhelming favorites to win the gold medal. We weren't even considered the strongest team in the tournament. That billing went to the Russians, who were upset by Yugoslavia in the semifinals. But we were the more determined team, and I think that's what set us apart. This victory was the last in a streak of seven consecutive gold medals for the United States men's team. by the NBA's Boston Celtics, who at that time had just won their 11th Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 13 years. There was some reluctance during the time of the basketball draft as White had a mandatory two year military commitment with the US Marine Corps. Then Boston general manager, Red Auerbach was able to shorten White's commitment and allow him to participate in the 1969–70 NBA season. He later stated that his short stint helped him prepare for his first Celtics training camp,
text=I was a Marine, so I had been through all the physical and mental challenges that comes with military training. Plus I was in excellent condition because of my military obligation, so I feel that this gave me an added advantage. However, before White even reported to training camp, the Celtics' center and player coach Bill Russell announced his retirement and cut ties to the organization. The Celtic's long time shooting guard Sam Jones also ended his career, requiring White to replace those duties. With the sudden departure of Russell and Jones, White endured a rebuilding season during which the franchise experienced their first losing season (34–48) since 1950, the year before Red Auerbach was hired. White made the All NBA rookie team during the 1970 season. The Celtics got back on track by drafting Dave Cowens, trading for Paul Silas, retaining veteran John Havlicek, and hiring coach Tommy Heinsohn. With White leading the attack from the point guard position, the team returned to its winning ways in 1971. He was an All Star for seven straight years from 1971 through 1977, finishing in the top ten in the league in assists from 1973–1977. In 1972, he participated in the now defunct NBA One on One 16 man tournament where he reached the championship (which occurred during halftime of Game 5 of the Finals) and faced 6'11" Detroit Piston Bob Lanier, who used his eight inch height advantage to win the $15,000 prize. In 1974, White and the Celtics reached the 1974 NBA Finals. They faced the Milwaukee Bucks who were returning with their championship winning core from the 1971 NBA Finals, including future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. With the Bucks' starting point guard, Lucius Allen, injured at the onset of the playoffs, White led a small, quick line up featuring undersized, All Star Cowens at center, to the first Celtics championship in the Post Russell era. The following season, White led the Celtics in minutes in a season where they finished 1st in NBA Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record but lost the Eastern Conference Finals. In 1976, White was part of a dominant Celtics squad which featured 5 veterans averaging double digit scoring. During the playoffs, White led the Celtics to the NBA championship and was a starring player in what is often referred to as "the greatest game ever played" — Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in NBA history. In the triple overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in game 5 of those finals, White was the game's high scorer with 33 points, had a game high 9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 128–126 win. Logging 60 minutes of play time, only the Suns' Garfield Heard (61) played more minutes. White was named the most valuable player of the 1976 NBA Finals. White went on to become one of professional basketball's first "iron men", playing in all 82 games for five consecutive seasons during the 1970s and setting a franchise record of 488 consecutive games played. White suffered an injury during the 1977–78 season. With the end of the streak, White and the aging Celtics became a less effective squad and followed their championship with an exit from playoff semifinals in 1977 and then two losing seasons.
Затем «Бостон Селтикс», который к тому времени выиграл 11-й Кубок Ларри О'Брайена за 13 лет, проявил к нему интерес. Во время драфта НБА возникло некоторое нежелание, поскольку Уайт был обязан два года служить в Корпусе морской пехоты США. Генеральному менеджеру «Бостона» Реду Ауэрбаху удалось сократить срок службы Уайта и разрешить ему принять участие в сезоне НБА 1969–70. Позже он заявил, что этот короткий период службы помог ему подготовиться к первому тренировочному лагерю «Селтикс». «Я был морским пехотинцем, поэтому прошел через все физические и моральные испытания, связанные с военной подготовкой. К тому же, благодаря своим военным обязанностям я был в отличной форме, поэтому считаю, что это дало мне дополнительное преимущество».
White joined the team in mid season, enjoyed immediate success, and entered the NCAA tournament. They played dominantly but encountered a physical Texas Western squad, now known as University of Texas at El Paso, in the Midwest regional final. During the first overtime, White took and made a shot (a 35 foot runner) as the buzzer sounded, but he was ruled out of bounds by referee Rudy Marich. The team lost this thriller in the second overtime to Texas Western, who went on to win the championship. The game against Texas Western was featured in the 2006 film Glory Road, which was about the 1966 Texas Western team. White became a leader of the team, and made the consensus NCAA All American Second Team in 1968 and 1969. He made the All Big Eight team the three subsequent years (1967–1969) Due to his early enrollment, White had only one semester of eligibility and Head Coach Ted Owens opted to have White play for the 18 games in the first semester rather than eight in the second. He graduated with a degree in physical education. The U. S. Olympic Basketball Committee allocated four roster spots to the NCAA, two to the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), three to the Armed Forces, one to Junior College (Spencer Haywood), and two to the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The American team, led by White and Haywood unexpectedly went undefeated (9–0), beating Yugoslavia 65–50 in the gold medal game. White described his reaction:
text=Going into the Olympic Games we weren't the overwhelming favorites to win the gold medal. We weren't even considered the strongest team in the tournament. That billing went to the Russians, who were upset by Yugoslavia in the semifinals. But we were the more determined team, and I think that's what set us apart. This victory was the last in a streak of seven consecutive gold medals for the United States men's team. by the NBA's Boston Celtics, who at that time had just won their 11th Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 13 years. There was some reluctance during the time of the basketball draft as White had a mandatory two year military commitment with the US Marine Corps. Then Boston general manager, Red Auerbach was able to shorten White's commitment and allow him to participate in the 1969–70 NBA season. He later stated that his short stint helped him prepare for his first Celtics training camp,
text=I was a Marine, so I had been through all the physical and mental challenges that comes with military training. Plus I was in excellent condition because of my military obligation, so I feel that this gave me an added advantage. However, before White even reported to training camp, the Celtics' center and player coach Bill Russell announced his retirement and cut ties to the organization. The Celtic's long time shooting guard Sam Jones also ended his career, requiring White to replace those duties. With the sudden departure of Russell and Jones, White endured a rebuilding season during which the franchise experienced their first losing season (34–48) since 1950, the year before Red Auerbach was hired. White made the All NBA rookie team during the 1970 season. The Celtics got back on track by drafting Dave Cowens, trading for Paul Silas, retaining veteran John Havlicek, and hiring coach Tommy Heinsohn. With White leading the attack from the point guard position, the team returned to its winning ways in 1971. He was an All Star for seven straight years from 1971 through 1977, finishing in the top ten in the league in assists from 1973–1977. In 1972, he participated in the now defunct NBA One on One 16 man tournament where he reached the championship (which occurred during halftime of Game 5 of the Finals) and faced 6'11" Detroit Piston Bob Lanier, who used his eight inch height advantage to win the $15,000 prize. In 1974, White and the Celtics reached the 1974 NBA Finals. They faced the Milwaukee Bucks who were returning with their championship winning core from the 1971 NBA Finals, including future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. With the Bucks' starting point guard, Lucius Allen, injured at the onset of the playoffs, White led a small, quick line up featuring undersized, All Star Cowens at center, to the first Celtics championship in the Post Russell era. The following season, White led the Celtics in minutes in a season where they finished 1st in NBA Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record but lost the Eastern Conference Finals. In 1976, White was part of a dominant Celtics squad which featured 5 veterans averaging double digit scoring. During the playoffs, White led the Celtics to the NBA championship and was a starring player in what is often referred to as "the greatest game ever played" — Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in NBA history. In the triple overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in game 5 of those finals, White was the game's high scorer with 33 points, had a game high 9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 128–126 win. Logging 60 minutes of play time, only the Suns' Garfield Heard (61) played more minutes. White was named the most valuable player of the 1976 NBA Finals. White went on to become one of professional basketball's first "iron men", playing in all 82 games for five consecutive seasons during the 1970s and setting a franchise record of 488 consecutive games played. White suffered an injury during the 1977–78 season. With the end of the streak, White and the aging Celtics became a less effective squad and followed their championship with an exit from playoff semifinals in 1977 and then two losing seasons.
Однако, прежде чем Уайт прибыл в тренировочный лагерь, центровой и играющий тренер «Селтикс» Билл Рассел объявил о своем уходе и прекратил сотрудничество с организацией. Также завершил карьеру давний атакующий защитник «Селтикс» Сэм Джонс, что потребовало от Уайта заменить его. С уходом Рассела и Джонса Уайт пережил период перестройки, в течение которого франшиза впервые с 1950 года, за год до найма Реда Ауэрбаха, потерпела поражение (34–48). Уайт вошел в первую сборную новичков НБА в сезоне 1970 года. «Селтикс» вернулись на правильный путь, выбрав Дэйва Коуэнса на драфте, обменяв Пола Сайласа, сохранив ветерана Джона Хэвличека и наняв тренера Томми Хайнсона. С Уайтом, возглавляющим атаку с позиции разыгрывающего, команда вернулась к победам в 1971 году. Он семь лет подряд (с 1971 по 1977 год) был участником Матча всех звезд, входя в десятку лучших игроков лиги по количеству передач с 1973 по 1977 год. В 1972 году он принял участие в ныне несуществующем турнире NBA One on One, где дошел до финала (который проходил в перерыве пятой игры финала) и встретился с 213-сантиметровым Бобом Ланьером из «Детройт Пистонс», который использовал свое 20-сантиметровое преимущество в росте, чтобы выиграть приз в размере 15 000 долларов. В 1974 году Уайт и «Селтикс» вышли в финал НБА 1974 года. Они встретились с «Милуоки Бакс», которые вернулись с победным составом с финала НБА 1971 года, включая будущих членов Зала славы Карима Абдул-Джаббара и Оскара Робертсона. После травмы стартового разыгрывающего «Бакс» Люциуса Аллена в начале плей-офф Уайт возглавил небольшую и быструю команду, в которой в центре играл недооцененный игрок All-Star Коуэнс, и привел «Селтикс» к первому чемпионству после эпохи Рассела. В следующем сезоне Уайт провел больше всего минут за «Селтикс» в сезоне, в котором они заняли 1-е место в Атлантическом дивизионе НБА с результатом 60–22, но проиграли в финале Восточной конференции. В 1976 году Уайт был частью доминирующей команды «Селтикс», в которой пять ветеранов набирали двузначное количество очков. В плей-офф Уайт привел «Селтикс» к чемпионству НБА и стал ключевым игроком в том, что часто называют «величайшей игрой в истории» — пятой игре финала НБА 1976 года. В трех овертаймах против «Финикс Санз» в пятой игре финала Уайт стал лучшим бомбардиром матча с 33 очками, сделал рекордные 9 передач, приведя «Селтикс» к победе со счетом 128–126. Он провел на площадке 60 минут, только игрок «Санз» Гарфилд Херд (61) провел больше времени на площадке. Уайт был назван самым ценным игроком финала НБА 1976 года.
White joined the team in mid season, enjoyed immediate success, and entered the NCAA tournament. They played dominantly but encountered a physical Texas Western squad, now known as University of Texas at El Paso, in the Midwest regional final. During the first overtime, White took and made a shot (a 35 foot runner) as the buzzer sounded, but he was ruled out of bounds by referee Rudy Marich. The team lost this thriller in the second overtime to Texas Western, who went on to win the championship. The game against Texas Western was featured in the 2006 film Glory Road, which was about the 1966 Texas Western team. White became a leader of the team, and made the consensus NCAA All American Second Team in 1968 and 1969. He made the All Big Eight team the three subsequent years (1967–1969) Due to his early enrollment, White had only one semester of eligibility and Head Coach Ted Owens opted to have White play for the 18 games in the first semester rather than eight in the second. He graduated with a degree in physical education. The U. S. Olympic Basketball Committee allocated four roster spots to the NCAA, two to the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), three to the Armed Forces, one to Junior College (Spencer Haywood), and two to the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The American team, led by White and Haywood unexpectedly went undefeated (9–0), beating Yugoslavia 65–50 in the gold medal game. White described his reaction:
text=Going into the Olympic Games we weren't the overwhelming favorites to win the gold medal. We weren't even considered the strongest team in the tournament. That billing went to the Russians, who were upset by Yugoslavia in the semifinals. But we were the more determined team, and I think that's what set us apart. This victory was the last in a streak of seven consecutive gold medals for the United States men's team. by the NBA's Boston Celtics, who at that time had just won their 11th Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 13 years. There was some reluctance during the time of the basketball draft as White had a mandatory two year military commitment with the US Marine Corps. Then Boston general manager, Red Auerbach was able to shorten White's commitment and allow him to participate in the 1969–70 NBA season. He later stated that his short stint helped him prepare for his first Celtics training camp,
text=I was a Marine, so I had been through all the physical and mental challenges that comes with military training. Plus I was in excellent condition because of my military obligation, so I feel that this gave me an added advantage. However, before White even reported to training camp, the Celtics' center and player coach Bill Russell announced his retirement and cut ties to the organization. The Celtic's long time shooting guard Sam Jones also ended his career, requiring White to replace those duties. With the sudden departure of Russell and Jones, White endured a rebuilding season during which the franchise experienced their first losing season (34–48) since 1950, the year before Red Auerbach was hired. White made the All NBA rookie team during the 1970 season. The Celtics got back on track by drafting Dave Cowens, trading for Paul Silas, retaining veteran John Havlicek, and hiring coach Tommy Heinsohn. With White leading the attack from the point guard position, the team returned to its winning ways in 1971. He was an All Star for seven straight years from 1971 through 1977, finishing in the top ten in the league in assists from 1973–1977. In 1972, he participated in the now defunct NBA One on One 16 man tournament where he reached the championship (which occurred during halftime of Game 5 of the Finals) and faced 6'11" Detroit Piston Bob Lanier, who used his eight inch height advantage to win the $15,000 prize. In 1974, White and the Celtics reached the 1974 NBA Finals. They faced the Milwaukee Bucks who were returning with their championship winning core from the 1971 NBA Finals, including future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. With the Bucks' starting point guard, Lucius Allen, injured at the onset of the playoffs, White led a small, quick line up featuring undersized, All Star Cowens at center, to the first Celtics championship in the Post Russell era. The following season, White led the Celtics in minutes in a season where they finished 1st in NBA Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record but lost the Eastern Conference Finals. In 1976, White was part of a dominant Celtics squad which featured 5 veterans averaging double digit scoring. During the playoffs, White led the Celtics to the NBA championship and was a starring player in what is often referred to as "the greatest game ever played" — Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in NBA history. In the triple overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in game 5 of those finals, White was the game's high scorer with 33 points, had a game high 9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 128–126 win. Logging 60 minutes of play time, only the Suns' Garfield Heard (61) played more minutes. White was named the most valuable player of the 1976 NBA Finals. White went on to become one of professional basketball's first "iron men", playing in all 82 games for five consecutive seasons during the 1970s and setting a franchise record of 488 consecutive games played. White suffered an injury during the 1977–78 season. With the end of the streak, White and the aging Celtics became a less effective squad and followed their championship with an exit from playoff semifinals in 1977 and then two losing seasons.
Уайт стал одним из первых «железных людей» в профессиональном баскетболе, сыграв во всех 82 играх в течение пяти сезонов подряд в 1970-х годах и установив рекорд франшизы – 488 игр подряд. Уайт получил травму в сезоне 1977–78. С окончанием этой серии Уайт и стареющие «Селтикс» стали менее эффективной командой и после чемпионства вылетели из полуфинала плей-офф в 1977 году, а затем провели два проигрышных сезона.
White joined the team in mid season, enjoyed immediate success, and entered the NCAA tournament. They played dominantly but encountered a physical Texas Western squad, now known as University of Texas at El Paso, in the Midwest regional final. During the first overtime, White took and made a shot (a 35 foot runner) as the buzzer sounded, but he was ruled out of bounds by referee Rudy Marich. The team lost this thriller in the second overtime to Texas Western, who went on to win the championship. The game against Texas Western was featured in the 2006 film Glory Road, which was about the 1966 Texas Western team. White became a leader of the team, and made the consensus NCAA All American Second Team in 1968 and 1969. He made the All Big Eight team the three subsequent years (1967–1969) Due to his early enrollment, White had only one semester of eligibility and Head Coach Ted Owens opted to have White play for the 18 games in the first semester rather than eight in the second. He graduated with a degree in physical education. The U. S. Olympic Basketball Committee allocated four roster spots to the NCAA, two to the AAU (Amateur Athletic Union), three to the Armed Forces, one to Junior College (Spencer Haywood), and two to the NAIA (National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics). The American team, led by White and Haywood unexpectedly went undefeated (9–0), beating Yugoslavia 65–50 in the gold medal game. White described his reaction:
text=Going into the Olympic Games we weren't the overwhelming favorites to win the gold medal. We weren't even considered the strongest team in the tournament. That billing went to the Russians, who were upset by Yugoslavia in the semifinals. But we were the more determined team, and I think that's what set us apart. This victory was the last in a streak of seven consecutive gold medals for the United States men's team. by the NBA's Boston Celtics, who at that time had just won their 11th Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy in 13 years. There was some reluctance during the time of the basketball draft as White had a mandatory two year military commitment with the US Marine Corps. Then Boston general manager, Red Auerbach was able to shorten White's commitment and allow him to participate in the 1969–70 NBA season. He later stated that his short stint helped him prepare for his first Celtics training camp,
text=I was a Marine, so I had been through all the physical and mental challenges that comes with military training. Plus I was in excellent condition because of my military obligation, so I feel that this gave me an added advantage. However, before White even reported to training camp, the Celtics' center and player coach Bill Russell announced his retirement and cut ties to the organization. The Celtic's long time shooting guard Sam Jones also ended his career, requiring White to replace those duties. With the sudden departure of Russell and Jones, White endured a rebuilding season during which the franchise experienced their first losing season (34–48) since 1950, the year before Red Auerbach was hired. White made the All NBA rookie team during the 1970 season. The Celtics got back on track by drafting Dave Cowens, trading for Paul Silas, retaining veteran John Havlicek, and hiring coach Tommy Heinsohn. With White leading the attack from the point guard position, the team returned to its winning ways in 1971. He was an All Star for seven straight years from 1971 through 1977, finishing in the top ten in the league in assists from 1973–1977. In 1972, he participated in the now defunct NBA One on One 16 man tournament where he reached the championship (which occurred during halftime of Game 5 of the Finals) and faced 6'11" Detroit Piston Bob Lanier, who used his eight inch height advantage to win the $15,000 prize. In 1974, White and the Celtics reached the 1974 NBA Finals. They faced the Milwaukee Bucks who were returning with their championship winning core from the 1971 NBA Finals, including future Hall of Fame members Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Oscar Robertson. With the Bucks' starting point guard, Lucius Allen, injured at the onset of the playoffs, White led a small, quick line up featuring undersized, All Star Cowens at center, to the first Celtics championship in the Post Russell era. The following season, White led the Celtics in minutes in a season where they finished 1st in NBA Atlantic Division with a 60–22 record but lost the Eastern Conference Finals. In 1976, White was part of a dominant Celtics squad which featured 5 veterans averaging double digit scoring. During the playoffs, White led the Celtics to the NBA championship and was a starring player in what is often referred to as "the greatest game ever played" — Game 5 of the 1976 NBA Finals in NBA history. In the triple overtime win against the Phoenix Suns in game 5 of those finals, White was the game's high scorer with 33 points, had a game high 9 assists, leading the Celtics to a 128–126 win. Logging 60 minutes of play time, only the Suns' Garfield Heard (61) played more minutes. White was named the most valuable player of the 1976 NBA Finals. White went on to become one of professional basketball's first "iron men", playing in all 82 games for five consecutive seasons during the 1970s and setting a franchise record of 488 consecutive games played. White suffered an injury during the 1977–78 season. With the end of the streak, White and the aging Celtics became a less effective squad and followed their championship with an exit from playoff semifinals in 1977 and then two losing seasons.
Голден Стейт Уорриорс (1979-1980)
Не сумев восстановить свою форму звездного игрока после травмы, Уайт был обменян "Селтикс" в "Голден Стэйт Уорриорз" в середине сезона НБА 1978–79. Журналист "Бостон Глоб" Боб Райан описал напряженность, предшествовавшую обмену Уайта из Бостона. Быть игроком "Селтикс", и особенно быть частью кельтской мистики, значило для Джо Джо Уайта очень много. Фактически, принадлежность к семье "Селтикс" и возможность обмениваться шутками с Редом Ауэрбахом, а также идентифицировать себя как "кельт", вероятно, значили для Джо Джо Уайта больше, чем для любого игрока "Селтикс" в современную (то есть после эпохи Рассела) эпоху. Обстоятельства вынудили его уйти, но расставание с Бостоном было крайне болезненным.
Канзас-Сити Кингс (1980-1981)
Уайт завершил карьеру игрока после 1981 года, выступая за "Канзас-Сити Кингз".
Канзас (1982 - 1983)
Он вернулся в "Джейхокс" в качестве помощника тренера в сезонах 1982–83. В 1987 году, в возрасте 41 года, Уайт предпринял попытку вернуться в профессиональный баскетбол, совмещая роли игрока и помощника тренера в команде "Топека Сиззлерс" Континентальной баскетбольной ассоциации.
Наследие
В пятницу, 9 апреля 1982 года, его номер 10 был поднят под своды Бостон Гарден. Он входил в число 100 лучших игроков НБА по количеству попаданий с игры за карьеру, количеству попыток бросков с игры, передачам, проценту реализации штрафных бросков, игровому времени и рейтингу защиты. На момент смерти Уайт занимал должность директора специальных проектов и по связям с общественностью в «Селтикс». В 1991 году Уайт был принят в Зал славы штата Миссури. Он также был включен в Зал славы спорта Канзаса. Его майка была выведена из обращения командой «Канзас Джейхокс» в 2003 году. В 2009 году он был принят в Зал славы спорта Корпуса морской пехоты. В 2013 году он вошел в Зал славы спорта Сент-Луиса. Уайт был включен в состав класса 2015 года Зала славы баскетбола Naismith Memorial. Его ввели в Зал вместе с его бывшим тренером Томом Хайнсоном, а представить его официально были приглашены его коллеги по «Селтикс» Джон Хэвличек и Дэйв Коуэнс. До его включения в Зал славы в 2015 году длительное отсутствие Уайта в Баскетбольном Зале славы часто обсуждалось при упоминании игроков, давно соответствующих критериям, но не получивших признания, и большинство спортивных журналистов считали, что его включение неоправданно затянулось. Один из журналистов в 2012 году даже ввел термин «Порог Джо Джо Уайта» как критерий оценки перспектив будущих кандидатов.
Семья
У Уайта было шесть старших братьев и сестер. Он был женат дважды, во второй раз – на Деборе Уайт, а ранее – на Эстелле Боузер. Отставной игрок Высшей бейсбольной лиги Крис Чэмблисс был его двоюродным братом. В 1985 году Уайт переехал в Рочестер, штат Нью-Йорк, где владел и управлял несколькими ресторанами McDonald's до начала 1990-х годов. В 2009 году Уайт и его жена открыли ресторан JoJo's West в Мейнарде, штат Массачусетс, который обанкротился и закрылся в 2010 году, сопровождаясь уголовными обвинениями и судебными исками против партнера по ресторану Криса Барнса.
В СМИ
Уайт снялся в двух фильмах в эпизодических ролях: "Внутри движения" (1980) и "План игры" (2007), в котором также снялся его сын, актёр Брайан Дж. Уайт. Его противоречивый матч в 1/4 финала турнира NCAA 1966 года против "Техас Уэстерн" показан в фильме 2006 года "Глори Роуд". Чтобы помочь ему в восстановлении, его адвокат попросил Уайта поделиться воспоминаниями и написал биографию "Считай каждый момент", которая вышла в 2012 году. Главный тренер "Бостон Селтикс" Док Риверс отметил:
> Когда вы видели его в первые разы, вы сильно беспокоились. Но мы в шутку говорили, что ДжоДжо может сделать даже болезнь крутой. Он действительно классный парень и прекрасный человек. Кроме того, с 1994 года он возглавлял Лигу роста имени Джо Джо Уайта для детей среднего школьного возраста.
Смерть
Уайт скончался в Бостоне спустя два месяца после 71-го дня рождения от осложнений, вызванных деменцией, а именно от пневмонии, развившейся после удаления доброкачественной опухоли мозга. В память о нем «Бостон Селтикс» на протяжении всего сезона 2017–18 годов носили на форме черную ленту.