Elite Celtics Defender Talks About Potentially Winning DPOY Award

Derrick White might be one of the most underrated players in the NBA. While he isn’t touted as one of the NBA’s biggest stars, he is one of the more impactful players in the league. White has helped the Boston Celtics stay dominant, despite losing their best player for most of the season. 

A lot of why White doesn’t get his fair praise is because he is a defensive ace. Defense is often overlooked in the NBA, and the best defenders have much more impact on winning than they usually get credit for. 

White did get a little credit recently when he won Defensive Player of the Month. He was asked about this accomplishment recently and responded saying: 

“I didn't know it was an award, honestly, until I won it. I really think I got it because of how good we've been guarding as a team. I feel like it's a Boston Celtics team award. But I guess I'll keep it at my house. I don't get anything for it, but I'll keep the recognition, I guess. I really think that's what that was. For Defensive Player of the Year, I don't think I have a chance.”

White is probably right. Even though he is one of the best defenders in the league, winning the Defensive Player of the Year as a guard is nearly impossible. On top of that, if Victor Wembanyama stays eligible, he will surely run away with the reward.

Still, White has a great shot at making the third All-Defensive team of his career. While it might not be a DPOY award, it is still a high honor that White is much deserving of.