- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,129,603
- Reaction score
- 59
BOSTON — Boston Celtics guard Derrick White had the numbers to back up a strong defensive season. He nearly tallied 100 blocks over the course of the 2025-26 campaign and led all guards in that category. In fact, his 98 blocks were the eighth-most ever recorded by a guard during a single NBA season, per StatMuse. White now has the accolades to solidify such a spectacular season on the defensive end of the floor, as he was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team on Friday night.
The 31-year-old had made two All-Defensive Second Teams in the last three years, yet he'd never qualified for First Team until now. White joins Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, San Antonio Spurs center (and reigning Defensive Player of the Year) Victor Wembanyama, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, and Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson on the honorary team.
While White's shot was up-and-down throughout the regular season and playoffs, his defense never wavered for the Celtics. He led the Green Team in swats during the postseason and averaged a career-high 1.3 blocks per game in the regular season. His 1.1 steals per outing were also a career-high and explain why White's selection to the First Team isn't a shock.
"I think Derrick is a First Team All-Defense type of ballot, or maybe even Defensive Player of the Year," Celtics star Jaylen Brown said back in January.
Along with White, Brown and Celtics center Neemias Queta received a few All-Defensive Team votes:
White was the lone Celtic picked by a panel of 100 voters, though, and he's one of just 17 Green Teamers to be named to an All-Defensive Team in franchise history. The Celtics would've loved to honor White for this accomplishment while still actively competing for a championship, however, they'll have to celebrate from afar and spend the rest of their May winding down before gearing up for the 2026-27 season.
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Derrick White caps off season with All-Defensive First Team honors
Continue reading...
The 31-year-old had made two All-Defensive Second Teams in the last three years, yet he'd never qualified for First Team until now. White joins Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, San Antonio Spurs center (and reigning Defensive Player of the Year) Victor Wembanyama, Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, and Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson on the honorary team.
While White's shot was up-and-down throughout the regular season and playoffs, his defense never wavered for the Celtics. He led the Green Team in swats during the postseason and averaged a career-high 1.3 blocks per game in the regular season. His 1.1 steals per outing were also a career-high and explain why White's selection to the First Team isn't a shock.
"I think Derrick is a First Team All-Defense type of ballot, or maybe even Defensive Player of the Year," Celtics star Jaylen Brown said back in January.
Along with White, Brown and Celtics center Neemias Queta received a few All-Defensive Team votes:
A global media panel of 100 voters selected the 2025-26 Kia NBA All-Defensive Team.
The complete voting resultspic.twitter.com/nzi2CGhq3T
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 22, 2026
White was the lone Celtic picked by a panel of 100 voters, though, and he's one of just 17 Green Teamers to be named to an All-Defensive Team in franchise history. The Celtics would've loved to honor White for this accomplishment while still actively competing for a championship, however, they'll have to celebrate from afar and spend the rest of their May winding down before gearing up for the 2026-27 season.
Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on:
Blue Wire: https://tiny.ee/CdKp
iTunes: https://tiny.ee/RK47
YouTube: https://tiny.ee/cOW3
This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: Derrick White caps off season with All-Defensive First Team honors
Continue reading...
