Derrick White has been awarded Eastern Conference Defensive Player of the Month for February.
It is the first time in his career he has received the accolade. The NBA announced White’s selection as the East’s best defensive player for February, while Victor Wembenyama was selected in the West.
White’s February Defensive Stats
White’s selection was based on the Celtics having the NBA’s best defensive rating in February at 105.5. He also led all NBA guards in 75 total contested shots. White averaged 1.7 blocks per game, the third-most among Eastern Conference players.
During February, Boston limited its opponents to a league-low 36.7 field goals per game on a league-low 42.4 percent shooting from the field. The Celtics also ranked second in the NBA in rebounds per game (50.0), second in opponent fast-break points per game (10.9), and third in opponent second-chance points per game (12.5).
Recognition for Defensive Abilities
White has been named to the All-Defense Second Team each of the past two seasons. He appears to be well on his way to another selection as the Celtics’ defense continues to dramatically improve.
The Celtics now have the fourth-best defense in the league (111.6 defensive rating). They trail only the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, and San Antonio Spurs.
White is averaging 1.5 blocks and 1.2 steals per game this season, both career-highs.
Praise from Around the League
Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra described White’s shot-blocking as one-of-a-kind. Spoelstra hailed White as the best shot-blocking guard in the NBA.
Jaylen Brown believes White should have been named an All-Star. He is also averaging 17.1 points and 5.8 assists per game.
“I think Derrick White has been playing at an All-Star level l, because he plays both sides of the ball,” Brown said. “And that’s no disrespect to some of those other guys that are maybe in All-Star contention — but it’s a clear difference.”
Neemias Queta praised White’s versatility.
“I feel like it’s his savviness, just the ability to go out there and just figure out how to make plays no matter what positioning or whoever he’s guarding,” said Queta. “I feel like he’s always got a good chance of getting a stop no matter who he’s guarding, or even off the ball too… he’s a Swiss army knife, and
- White led all NBA guards in 75 total contested shots during February.
- He averaged 1.7 blocks per game in February.
- White is averaging career-highs in blocks (1.5) and steals (1.2) per game this season.
Could a Defensive Player of the Year award be next for White?