Overview
- Derrick White drew strong public backing from Pacers coach Rick Carlisle, who called him an All-Star and noted his top-10 league ranking in blocked shots.
- Jaylen Brown endorsed White for All-Defense and even Defensive Player of the Year consideration, arguing his two-way impact reflects All-Star caliber play.
- White is on pace for career highs in points, assists and rebounds and is one of the league’s leaders in combined steals and blocks, including a rare 50-steal, 60-block season to date.
- Despite his defensive profile, White has struggled with efficiency this season and in recent games, and he ranked low in fan balloting as coaches prepare to choose All-Star reserves on Feb. 1.
- Boston ruled White out for rest Friday against the Nets in the first leg of a back-to-back, a brief pause after he started 42 of the Celtics’ first 43 games.