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The Definitive Guide To Derrick White’s All-Defensive Case

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Derrick White deserves an All-Defensive selection.

With the NBA regular season complete, award conversations are heating up. One of the more under-the-radar awards is the two All-Defensive teams. The league is loaded with elite defenders and numerous players have a case to make an All-Defensive team. Boston Celtics guard Derrick White has made All-Defensive second-team the past two seasons. Let’s dive into White’s rock-solid All-Defensive case this season.

The Definitive Guide to Derrick White’s All-Defensive Case

Elite Versatility and Help Defense

In today’s NBA, versatility is the most important defensive trait and White is easily one of the league’s most versatile defenders. White averaged 1.1 blocks per game and his 80 total blocks led all guards. Notably, he ranked 21st for total blocks, recording more blocks than players such as Jarrett Allen, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Draymond Green. White blocked a variety of shots throughout the season including wreaking havoc off the ball with his elite help defense, making quick reads to swat jump shots, making hustle plays in transition, and defending the rim. He does an incredible job of anticipating the offense’s next move to position himself to block shots. Impressively, White is tied with Michael Jordan for the most blocked shots per game by a guard of all-time. Needless to say, White’s shot-blocking abilities as a guard are unique and historic.

White’s defensive awareness also translates to him grabbing steals, he averaged .9 steals on the year and recorded 72 total steals. He does a great job of poking the ball loose from the ball handler, especially in transition and playing the passing lanes in the half-court. Combined with his ability to block shots, White is one of the most disruptive defenders in the league. Overall, White has incredible defensive instincts and IQ.

One of a Kind Defender

White offers elite-level rim protection which is rare for a guard. Opponents shot 58.6 percent at the rim against White compared to the league average of 62.1 percent. This skill set allows the Celtics to run lineups with White as the center on defense. Additionally, it gives the Celtics’ defense extra security as he often plays a free safety type of role, roaming around the court constantly forcing turnovers. Data from Sportradar and Todd Whitehead shows that White ranks ninth in defending the paint, he also ranks fourth at the point of attack, making him the only player to appear in the top 10 of both lists. Defending the paint and the point-of-attack are undoubtedly two of the most crucial defensive responsibilities and White offers both at an elite level. Ultimately, this level of versatility is unprecedented and can’t be ignored.

White’s Stellar On-Ball Defense

While White is mainly known for his versatility and shot-blocking he is also a lockdown on-ball defender. This season, White posted an impressive defensive field goal percentage of 44 and ranked in the 90th percentile for estimated defensive plus-minus. Throughout the season White contained All-Star-level players including Darius Garland (26.7 percent from the field), Jalen Brunson (36.4), Ja Morant (35.7), and Tyrese Haliburton (35.7); these numbers highlight his elite on-ball defense.

White excels at containing three-point shooters. Opponents shot just 31.1 percent from three when guarded by White. This elite DFG% is more impressive considering White’s 5.2 threes contested per game were among the most in the league. White’s quickness and awareness make him an exceptional on-ball defender. Ultimately, White’s combination of on-ball defense and incredible versatility make him one of the most impactful defenders in the league.

White’s Importance to the Celtics

Boston finished the season with the fourth-ranked defense which should be represented on an All-Defensive team. The Celtics’ defense is built around switchability and versatility. This season, White was undoubtedly the catalyst to this scheme. His ability to either guard the opposing team’s best perimeter player or wreak havoc off-ball is invaluable.

White’s importance to the Celtics increased this season since Kristaps Porziņģis, Jaylen Brown, and Jrue Holiday all missed time throughout the season. Porziņģis played in 42 games, Brown in 63, and Holiday in 62. Furthermore, White played in 416 more total minutes than Brown, 678 more than Holiday, and 1,364 more than Porziņģis. White had far more perimeter responsibilities without Brown and Holiday. His shot-blocking and rim-protection abilities were also vital without Porziņģis. While White has always been a key part of the Celtics’ defense his impact was even more crucial this season.

The Last Word

White is firmly a bubble player in a loaded All-Defensive race. If it was up to me Evan Mobley, Draymond Green, Amen Thompson, Dyson Daniels, and Lu Dort would lead the All-Defensive first team. Followed by White, Jaren Jackson Jr., Ivica Zubac, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jalen Williams for second-team. It’s a loaded field and there would be some controversial snubs with my picks including Toumani Camara, Rudy Gobert, and OG Anunoby.

Nevertheless, White’s combination of versatility and lockdown on-ball defense gives him a clear case. White’s importance to an elite defensive team and impact on winning basketball complete his case. Ultimately, only time will tell if White earns his third straight All-Defensive selection, but his case is undeniable.

Photo credit: © David Butler II-Imagn Images

The post The Definitive Guide To Derrick White’s All-Defensive Case appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.