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Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics

Celtics land one player on 2022-2023 NBA All-Defense teams

By Alex Barth
BOSTON, MA - DECEMBER 23: Derrick White #9 of the Boston Celtics blocks a shot by D'Angelo Russell #0 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half at TD Garden on December 23, 2022 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)

For the second year in a row, the Celtics have one of their guards representing them on the NBA All-Defense teams. This year though, it’s a first time winner.

The NBA released this year’s All-Defense teams on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of the Celtics’ Game 5 matchup with the Philadelphia 76ers at TD Garden. From the Celtics, guard Derrick White was named NBA All-Defense Second Team.

  • This is the first postseason award of any kind of White. The 28-year-old received the third-most votes of any guard, coming in 36 points behind Alex Caruso of the Bulls – another first-time winner. Jrue Holliday of the Bucks was the top vote-getter at the position.

    No guard in the NBA blocked more shots this season than White, who finished with 76 in 82 games. He also averaged 0.7 steals per game in his first full season in Boston after being acquired by the team at last year’s trade deadline.

    Earlier Tuesday afternoon, White was asked about the potential of being named an All-Defense player. “That would be a pretty cool honor. It’s a lot of hard work and effort,” he told reporters. “I’m not too focused on it, obviously, but it’d probably mean a lot, especially to my dad.”

  • While White was the only Celtics representative on the All-Defense teams, the C’s did have two other players get votes. One of those players is the reigning Defense Player of the Year, Marcus Smart.

    Smart received the most votes by and guard and third-most by any player overall to not crack the All-Defense rosters. He ended up 19 points shy of Dillon Brooks of the Grizzlies, although did grab eight more first-team votes than Brooks did. Smart had been voted first-team All-Defense in three of the last four years, missing out on either team in the 2020-2021 season when he only played 48 games due to injury.

    Jaylen Brown also appeared in the voting results. He received one first-team vote and two second-team votes as a guard. Brown, who is a candidate to be named to an All-NBA team, has never made an All-Defense team.

    The Celtics will need a bounce-back effort from their defense Tuesday night against the Sixers, especially from their guards after James Harden went off for 42 points in Game 4. Coverage of the decisive Game 5 begins at 7 p.m. on 98.5 The Sports Hub and the Sports Hub BetMGM Celtics Radio Network.

  • Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at [email protected].

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