Derrick White’s Impact Makes Him Deserving of NBA All-Star Consideration. Despite not putting up eye-popping statistics, Derrick White of the Boston Celtics is making a strong case for NBA All-Star Game consideration among those who watch him play regularly.
In the Christmas Day game against the Los Angeles Lakers, White led the Celtics in assists with 11 and contributed eight points on 13 attempts, helping his team secure a 126-115 road victory. He also showcased his defensive prowess with two steals, two blocks, and two rebounds, further highlighting his all-around skills.
As a veteran guard, White has emerged as a key player for the Celtics, and his teammates, including Kristaps Porzingis, recognize the impact he brings to the team.
Porzingis expressed his admiration for White, stating, “I didn’t realize how good D-White was. He’s kinda under-the-radar a little bit. Man, he’s special. The way he plays, how 90-plus percent of the time he makes the right play, and that’s the perfect teammate you want. On top of that, he’s shooting great percentages and being suρer efficient. He’s special, and I’m happy I have both of those guys on my team, Jrue (Holiday) and D-White.”
White’s versatility, ability to guard multiple positions, shoot efficiently, and play either guard spot, combined with his durability (missing only three games since the previous season), make him an invaluable asset for the team.
In addition to his career-high average of 16.6 points per game, White contributes 5.2 assists, 3.9 rebounds, 1.3 blocks, and 1.3 steals. He also boasts impressive shooting percentages of 42.4 percent from beyond the arc and 49.4 percent from the field.
Boston Sports Info highlighted the exceptional impact that White has made on both ends of the court this season.
While fan voting holds a significant weight in selecting All-Stars, it is unlikely that White will prevail in a popularity contest among supporters who are less familiar with the Celtics. However, the votes from his peers and the media, each accounting for 25 percent, are expected to provide substantial support for his All-Star candidacy.