Derrick White’s defensive prowess has been a major factor in the Boston Celtics maintaining a top-tier defence, even after personnel changes.
One analyst believes White is deserving of the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award. However, according to The Ringer’s Michael Pina, White won’t win the award because of Victor Wembanyama.
Wembanyama’s Defensive Impact Too Strong
Pina ranked Wembanyama as his top candidate for DPOY, with White in second place.
Pina wrote, “The gap between Wemby and the field on defense is more or less what Curry enjoyed as a 3-point shooter 10 years ago. Every strategic decision is manipulated by his authority. Enjoy trying to score on that for the next decade!”
Analyst Praises White’s Defensive Skills
Pina detailed why he ranks White so highly. He calls White “the smartest off-ball defender in the NBA.”
Pina also wrote that “The only player who has a more positive impact on his team’s defense is Wembanyama”, and that “Boston’s defense miraculously allows the fewest paint points per game. White is the biggest reason,” and that “he impacts the game so much more than anyone who spends most of their time on the ball.”
Even so, Wembanyama got the pick, and there really isn’t much to elaborate on because it would be the shock of the century if he doesn’t win.
Wembanyama’s intimidating defensive presence is such that Boston will likely always play five-out every single minute he’s on the floor just to get him out of the paint.
It’s not White’s fault he won’t win DPOY. He just can’t grow a foot in height and wingspan.
Spurs’ Trade Benefited Both Teams
White won’t win DPOY primarily because of Wembanyama, and the league doesn’t typically award it to guards. It’s ironic because the Spurs traded White to the Celtics.
Trading White to Boston signalled that San Antonio was starting over. That move made them a bad enough team to get Wemby, while also making Boston good enough to win a title.
It’s fair to say that both teams are pretty happy with how everything panned out afterward.
The White trade can be viewed as a win-win for all sides, even though he won’t win an award he made a fantastic case for.