“I was aware that my chances were slim, but just being considered was a nice feeling.”
The effort to secure Derrick White an All-Star spot gained some momentum, yet ultimately fell short. Following the Celtics’ dominant victory against the Nets on Wednesday night, White didn’t appear perturbed by his exclusion. Expressing contentment at merely being considered, he remarked, “Just being in the conversation and hearing all that was good enough for me.”
Acknowledging the slim likelihood of making the cut, he maintained a positive outlook, stating, “I knew it was probably going to be a longshot, but to be in the conversation was cool.” While acknowledging the appeal of participating in the game, White remained optimistic about the break, emphasizing his plans to cherish time with his family and prepare for the second half of the season. Reflecting on the outcome, he concluded, “I’m not too bummed out about it, but it was definitely cool to hear.”
White placed seventh among Eastern Conference guards in the fan vote, falling short of securing a starting position. Despite the Celtics boasting the league’s best record at 43-12, NBA head coaches opted not to include White among the reserves. The selection process drew criticism from Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla, who expressed frustration, suggesting that winning games seemed undervalued in the decision-making process. Meanwhile, other teams significantly trailing the Celtics in the standings, such as the Bucks, Knicks, and Sixers, secured multiple selections each, whereas Boston only secured spots for Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Both White and center Kristaps Porzingis ranked in the top ten in fan voting for their positions, highlighting their significant contributions to the Celtics’ success. Mazzulla questioned the decision not to include them, emphasizing their importance to the team.
Looking ahead, White remains optimistic about the team’s prospects in the second half of the season, aiming to build upon their strong start. Despite their achievements, he stressed the need to remain focused and not overlook any steps in their journey to sustained success.
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