Celtics' Derrick White Seen as Sneaky Defensive Player of the Year Candidate

The two-time All-Defensive star could win the award if Victor Wembanyama is disqualified.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:10pm

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Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is being considered a potential Defensive Player of the Year candidate this season, especially if San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama is deemed ineligible. White has been a defensive force, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks per game while anchoring the Celtics' seventh-best defense in the NBA.

Why it matters

If White were to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, he would be only the third guard to do so since Gary Payton in 1996, and the second former Boston Celtic after Marcus Smart in 2023. This would be a historic accomplishment for a guard in the modern NBA.

The details

White has been a standout on the defensive end, using his size, strength, and athleticism to guard multiple positions and make plays all over the court. He ranks among the league leaders in steals and blocks for a guard, showcasing his unique defensive abilities. The Celtics' strong defensive performance this season despite injuries to key players like Jayson Tatum has been largely attributed to White's impact.

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The players

Derrick White

A two-time All-Defensive team selection, Derrick White is a 28-year-old guard for the Boston Celtics who has emerged as one of the league's premier defensive players.

Victor Wembanyama

A 19-year-old French phenom, Victor Wembanyama is the projected top overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and is considered a frontrunner for the Defensive Player of the Year award this season.

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What they’re saying

“Credit to Neemias Queta, Jaylen Brown and others, but there is simply no way the Celtics roster, as it's currently constructed, should own the NBA's seventh-best defense. Derrick White deserves the bulk of the praise, averaging 1.2 steals and 1.5 blocks (as a guard...). The man is everywhere, always tracking sight lines and pouncing on mistakes. He's strong enough to handle bigger wings and nimble enough to choke ball-handlers at the point of attack. He flies in from the weak side to punish unaware slashers. There is not a more impressive player to watch on defense, with the exception of Wemby and Chet [Holmgren].”

— Christopher Kline, FanSided Writer (FanSided)

What’s next

If Victor Wembanyama fails to meet the minimum games played requirement, the Defensive Player of the Year award could be Derrick White's to lose. The Celtics will continue to rely on his defensive prowess as they push for a deep playoff run.

The takeaway

Derrick White's emergence as an elite defensive player has been a key factor in the Celtics' success this season. If he were to win the Defensive Player of the Year award, it would be a historic accomplishment for a guard in the modern NBA and further cement his status as one of the league's premier two-way players.