{"id":68528,"date":"2024-03-16T16:56:00","date_gmt":"2024-03-16T20:56:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/?p=68528"},"modified":"2024-03-16T17:05:53","modified_gmt":"2024-03-16T21:05:53","slug":"how-many-celtics-will-make-the-all-defense-team","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/16\/how-many-celtics-will-make-the-all-defense-team\/","title":{"rendered":"How Many Celtics Will Make All-Defense?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The Celtics currently have the league\u2019s second-<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/leagues\/NBA_2024_ratings.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">ranked<\/a> defense behind the Timberwolves and their lineup is filled with elite defenders. With award conversations heating up in the last month of the season it begs the question of how many All-Defense players do the Celtics have. All of Boston\u2019s starting five are All-Defensive caliber. But with only ten spots the entire starting five can\u2019t make it. Let\u2019s dive into each player&#8217;s case and ultimately figure out who deserves to make an All-Defensive team.<\/p>\n<h2>How Many Celtics Will Make All-Defense?<\/h2>\n<h3>Derrick White<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/w\/whitede01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Derrick White<\/a> has an unimpeachable case for an All-Defensive team. Last season he was named to the All-Defensive second team this year White has increased his defensive production and impact. White is a historically great shot-blocking guard. His 1.3 blocks per game ranks\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/leaders?StatCategory=BLK\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">16th<\/a> league-wide and first among guards. White\u2019s 80 total shots blocked are the most among any guard by a wide margin. Both these numbers are notably higher than premier interior defenders including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/adebaba01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bam Adebayo<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/antetgi01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Giannis Antetokounmpo<\/a>, and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/a\/allenja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\"> Jarrett Allen<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this year White became the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.celticslife.com\/2023\/12\/derrick-white-accomplishes-feat-last.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">first guard<\/a> since\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/j\/jordami01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Michael Jordan<\/a>\u00a0in 1987 to record seven straight games with two or more blocks. He joined Jordan and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gervige01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">George Gervin<\/a> as the only guards to achieve this feat. Exclusive company to say the least. \u00a0Shot blocking isn\u2019t the only thing White does at an elite level defensively. White is also an elite perimeter defender; his size and IQ allow him to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/1628401\/head-to-head\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">defend<\/a> some of the league&#8217;s top players. He is also incredibly versatile and can switch on to bigger players or defend the post if needed. Overall White is one of the most impactful and valuable defenders in the league he is a lock for an All-Defensive team.<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Derrick White does literally EVERYTHING for the Celtics\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/sOjWhBkBcLI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3>Jrue Holiday<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/h\/holidjr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jrue Holiday\u2019s<\/a> versatile defense has been an <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/01\/17\/jrue-holidays-incredible-sacrifice-this-season\/\" target=\"_self\">underrated<\/a> factor in Boston\u2019s success this year. Holiday is well-regarded as one of the game&#8217;s best defenders. While he\u2019s sacrificed a bigger role offensively this year Holiday remains one of the most impactful and elite defenders in the league. The key to Holiday\u2019s success is unmatched versatility. Notably, Holiday ranks within the top ten in both\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/craftednba.com\/player-traits\/versatile\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">versatility<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/craftednba.com\/player-traits\/versatile\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">matchup difficulty<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Holiday\u2019s strength and IQ allow him to regularly guard big men, a strategy that has transformed Boston\u2019s defense. Holiday is guarding forwards and centers at a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/player\/201950\/by-position\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">career-high rate<\/a> and among the most of any guard. This allows the Celtics to use <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/p\/porzikr01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kristaps Porzingis<\/a> as an off-ball roamer or throw one of the Js on an perimeter player making it much harder for opposing offenses to find a rhythm. Flexibility and versatility have been central to the Celtics\u2019 defense success that\u2019s a testament to Holiday&#8217;s value. The five-time All-Defensive player will in all likelihood make his sixth team in seven seasons.<\/p>\n<h3>Jaylen Brown<\/h3>\n<p>Jaylen Brown is having one of the best defensive seasons of his <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/15\/how-jaylen-brown-is-living-up-to-his-massive-contract\/\" target=\"_self\">career<\/a>. Even with a more talented roster, Brown has more defensive responsibilities than in previous years. Brown ranks ninth in <a href=\"https:\/\/craftednba.com\/player-traits\/versatile\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">matchup difficulty<\/a> across the league. Brown\u2019s perimeter defense has been a big story this year. He has consistently drawn difficult matchups on top perimeter players including <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/d\/doncilu01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Luka Doncic<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/e\/edwaran01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Anthony Edwards<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/m\/mitchdo01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Donovan Mitchell.<\/a> Brown was very effective in guarding all of those players, especially Doncic. His skillset gives the Celtics more matchup options and allows for a versatile attack. Increased responsibility and matchup difficulty are central to Brown\u2019s All-Defense <a href=\"https:\/\/www.celticsblog.com\/2024\/2\/22\/24074356\/the-definitive-guide-to-jaylen-browns-all-defense-campaign-boston-celtics\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">case<\/a>.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">JJ Redick throws Jaylen Brown into the All Defense Team mix on yesterday\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/OldManAndThree?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@OldManAndThree<\/a> Things.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThe other guy that\u2019s had a great defensive season that has flown under the radar is Jaylen Brown. Jaylen Brown has had a really good defensive season.\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/ZtG3dXN9rT\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/ZtG3dXN9rT<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Noa Dalzell \ud83c\udfc0 (@NoaDalzellNBA) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/NoaDalzellNBA\/status\/1767530561923395716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">March 12, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h3>Jayson Tatum<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/t\/tatumja01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jayson Tatum<\/a> is talented enough to be an All-Defensive player. His size and athleticism allow him to guard several positions. Tatum is very effective at defending the paint. With Tatum as the primary defender opponents are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/stats\/players\/opponent-shooting?CF=PLAYER_NAME*E*Jaylen+Brown&amp;dir=D&amp;sort=5-9+ft.+FG+PCT&amp;DistanceRange=5ft+Range\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">shooting under 40%<\/a> on shots within five to nine feet. Tatum is also able to switch onto guards and contain them with his superior size and strength. This happened earlier in the year when Tatum was switched onto\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/g\/gilgesh01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Shai Gilgeous-Alexander<\/a> for most of the second half. While Tatum has the talent of an All-Defensive player his responsibilities hurt his case. Most nights Tatum is playing off-ball and not guarding one of the opposing team&#8217;s top two or even three players. Preserving Tatum\u2019s energy for the offensive end is a smart strategy, especially on such a talented team. However, his case for All-Defensive is diminished as a result.<\/p>\n<h3>Kristaps Porzingis<\/h3>\n<p>While Porzingis has a solid case for All-Defense his time missed hurts him. Porzingis has already missed 20 games making him ineligible for any regular-season awards per the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/2024\/03\/12\/cavs-superstar-ineligible-for-all-nba-honors\/\" target=\"_self\">NBA\u2019s new rule<\/a>. Nevertheless, Porzingis has been a very impactful defender this year. As a rim protector, shot blocker, and off-ball roamer Porzingis offers everything you could ask for. He has unlocked a new element for the Celtics on both ends of the floor and deserves a ton of credit for it. Unfortunately, it won&#8217;t be in the form of an All-Defensive team or any other regular-season honor.<\/p>\n<h3>The Last Word<\/h3>\n<p>Ultimately White and Holiday are locks for All-Defense. What team they end up making is an interesting question I could see at least one of them most likely White being named to the first team. With the NBA switching to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportskeeda.com\/basketball\/news-is-nba-all-defensive-team-positionless-closer-look-annual-honor-best-defensive-players-regular-season\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">positionless format<\/a> it should be interesting to see how many guards make it this year. Outside of White and Holiday, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.basketball-reference.com\/players\/c\/carusal01.html\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Alex Caruso<\/a> is likely another All-Defensive guard. Brown is on the verge of making it but could be penalized by his loaded team. No team has had three All-Defensive players since the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nba.com\/news\/history-all-defensive-team\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">2012-13 Grizzlies<\/a> Brown and the Celtics could certainly break this trend. Tatum will likely receive a handful of votes but it would be shocking if made one of the teams.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Celtics currently have the league\u2019s second-ranked defense behind the Timberwolves and their lineup is filled with elite defenders. With award conversations heating up in the last month of the season it begs the question of how many All-Defense players do the Celtics have. All of Boston\u2019s starting five are All-Defensive caliber. But with only [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4779,"featured_media":68530,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"1","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[62,1608,5],"tags":[1090,450,798,239,138,1143],"class_list":["post-68528","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-nba","category-basketball","category-celtics","tag-derrick-white","tag-jaylen-brown","tag-jayson-tatum","tag-jrue-holiday","tag-kristaps-porzingis","tag-nba-awards"],"modified_by":"Eamon Cassels, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68528","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4779"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=68528"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/68528\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/68530"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=68528"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=68528"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/basketball\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=68528"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}