3 reasons why Derrick White was left out of the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, according to the Celtics
Guard Derrick White is not one of the two Boston Celtics players traveling to Indianapolis for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game.
All-Star talk has been all over the place lately for White, who has started every game for the C’s this season.
However, prior to the Celtics’ game against the Lakers on Thursday night, he was omitted from the list of Eastern Conference All-Star reserves.
Even though the 29-year-old isn’t exactly regarded as a “star” in the NBA these days, he still merited a trip to Indianapolis.
Following an exceptional start to his 2023–24 season, White is deserving of a spot on the All-Star team for the following three reasons:.
By many measures, White’s season is unquestionably the finest of his eight-year career.
Despite coming from modest beginnings in college and not playing more than thirty minutes a game until the 2021–2022 season, he has flourished in Boston with increased playing time.
With the C’s, he’s playing a career-high 32.1 minutes per game, which has enabled him to score 15.8 points per game, a career-best.
The native of Colorado is also setting career highs in free throw percentage (89.5%) and rebounding (four per game).
Even more amazing is the fact that White is succeeding on a highly talented team.
Two of Boston’s starting players, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, are All-Stars for the second year in a row after finishing in the top 10 in the fan vote.
White has nevertheless been able to increase his star count. He has contributed to the Celtics’ league-best 37-11 overall record.
Winning is generally a team metric, but Boston’s incredible record shouldn’t be used against White.
The Celtics’ X-factor, he has led the club in points or assists in 14 separate games.
Uncommon two-way skill at guard
The phrase “two-way player” is frequently used in discussions about the NBA, but it accurately characterizes White.
The figures show that the seasoned guard has been involved on both ends of the court this season.
White is shooting 40% from beyond the arc and 48.5% from the field with efficiency.
Although it’s not officially a career-high 3-point percentage, his rookie year was the only time he had a higher conversion rate.
Despite playing in only 17 games that season, he had a 61.5% three-point shooting percentage.
In terms of defense, White leads the NBA in guard blocks per game with an incredible average of 1.2. According to NBA.com/stats,
White is tied for the team lead in steals and deflections per game.
When he is on the court, Boston’s defensive rating, which is third among starters, drops to 109.0 from 111.0.
Despite the numbers, White’s defense has helped the Celtics win.
For example, with less than a minute remaining in the game on Tuesday night against the Indiana Pacers, he swatted a scorching Aaron Nesmith.
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