Celtics’ Derrick White named to NBA All-Defensive Second Group

Celtics

Derrick White’s contributions performed into the Celtics’ 110.6 defensive score — the second-best mark within the NBA.

After serving to anchor one of many high defenses within the NBA this season, Derrick White is getting some well-deserved recognition.

The 28-year-old Celtics guard was named to the NBA’s All-Defensive Second Group on Tuesday, incomes essentially the most whole factors (99) amongst all Second-Group gamers. Solely Milwaukee’s Jrue Vacation (192 factors) and Chicago’s Alex Caruso (125 factors) positioned forward of White amongst NBA guards.

One of many key cogs in Boston’s deep and stingy roster, White appeared in all 82 video games for Boston this season, together with 70 begins. He averaged 12.4 factors, 3.6 rebounds and three.9 assists per sport in his first full season with the Celtics.

The Colorado native’s capability to stuff the stat sheet made him a useful contributor in Joe Mazzulla’s rotation.

However White’s biggest contributions got here on the opposite finish of the court docket. With White often tasked with locking down one of many opposition’s high scoring threats on the perimeter, Boston ranked second within the NBA this season with a 110.6 defensive score.

This marks the primary All-Defensive Group accolade for White, who was acquired by Boston in February 2022 throughout a deadline swap with the San Antonio Spurs.

White practically had some acquainted firm on the NBA’s All-Defensive squad.

Marcus Sensible, who took house the NBA’s Defensive Participant of the 12 months Award final season, got here up simply quick with 35 whole factors in All-Defensive voting — the very best whole amongst gamers who didn’t make one of many two groups.

Jaylen Brown additionally earned some recognition with one first-team vote and two second-team votes, totaling 4 factors.

Robert Williams, who earned second-team honors final 12 months, was not voted in once more after being restricted to 35 video games and simply 23.5 minutes per contest in 2022-23 as a consequence of damage.

Right here is the total checklist of the NBA’s All-Defensive Groups:

First Group

Alex Caruso, Chicago Bulls
Jrue Vacation, Milwaukee Bucks
Jaren Jackson Jr., Memphis Grizzlies
Brook Lopez, Milwaukee Bucks
Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

Second Group

Bam Adebayo, Miami Warmth
O.G. Anunoby, Toronto Raptors
Dillon Brooks, Memphis Grizzlies
Draymond Inexperienced, Golden State Warriors
Derrick White, Boston Celtics