On February 1, the NBA will announce the reserves for the 2026 All-Star Game. Selections will be determined by voting from head coaches, with seven players chosen from each conference.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is making a solid case for his first All-Star selection. White is averaging a career-high 17.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.3 steals per game.
Although not named an All-Star starter, White received 247,925 fan votes. This figure placed him at 24th in fan voting for the Eastern Conference.
White has also gained attention from a well-respected coach in the league. Prior to the Celtics' match against the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle endorsed White.
"Derrick White is an All-Star," said Carlisle. "He's an All-Star player. He's eighth in the league in blocked shots. He's such an important part of their team. He's playing very well and they are up in the standings."
Carlisle has served as a head coach for nearly 25 years. The one-time Coach of the Year won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
What Are the Odds?
White's career-best efforts, as well as his remarkable defensive prowess, have helped elevate the Celtics to the second seed in the Eastern Conference. He has the most blocked shots among all guards this season.
The Eastern Conference All-Star starters are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Brunson, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, and Cade Cunningham. The majority of the selections are expected to represent the United States in the All-Star Game's new format.
Top contenders to be named as a reserve in the Eastern Conference include Scottie Barnes, Jalen Johnson, Donovan Mitchell, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jalen Duren, Michael Porter Jr., and Josh Giddey.
With numerous franchise stars missing a starter bid, it's expected that White will have an outside shot at being named a reserve. For instance, Mitchell is well deserving of a spot with 28.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game for the Cleveland Cavaliers.
If White does earn his first All-Star selection, his vote count from head coaches will likely place him closer to the bottom of the list than the top.
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