Why This Unexpected Player Will Make The NBA All-Star Team
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is having the best season of his nine-year career. He is arguably the second most important player on the Celtics behind Jayson Tatum. There has been a tumultuous amount of buzz for White to make the all-star game this year as a reserve. The best guard on the Celtics is sitting at the number eight spot in all-star voting but has a great chance to give the Celtics three all-stars come February.
The Best Guard Since Kyrie Irving
The Boston Celtics had spent a few years trying to find their starting point guard since Kyrie Irving left for the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. Kemba Walker was a defensive liability and Marcus Smart was way too inconsistent on the offensive side of the floor. Eventually, the Celtics decided it was time for Smart to move on to his next situation for the Memphis Grizzlies so that Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday could be slotted into the team. These moves left White as a viable option to start as a combo guard next to Holiday.
In his 30-game showcasing, White has taken the throne as the best guard on the Celtics this season. He is putting up a career-high season all across the board in points, field goal percentage, steals, and blocks. At this pace he is on track to make another all-defensive team. On some nights, White is the second and even first best player for the team which is a testament towards the Celtic`s success in the long run.
A Blunder Waiting To Occur
Every year, one or multiple injuries occur to more prominent and solidified all-stars. Thus, the NBA selects replacements. Unfortunately, but surely will an injury occur to a guard ahead of White in the all-star selection ballot. The seven guards ahead of White are Tyrese Haliburton, Damian Lillard, Trae Young, Donovan Mitchell, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson and Lamelo Ball in that order. White has the potential to surpass Brunson and Ball regardless of an injury occurring to one of them.
The votes towards the all-star level guards in New York and Charlotte are surprisingly low, especially in a large market like New York City. Ball has also missed more than half of the season with only 15 games played this season and he has not played a game since November 26. This could open up an opportunity for White to gain more recognition and votes, particularly with his consistent performance and impact for the Celtics this season. White's sustained contributions and durability could sway the voting in his favor, especially compared to players with limited game time or lower impact due to injuries.
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