Rim protection is a big man’s game. Guys like Rudy Gobert and Brook Lopez have made a career out of being stalwarts in the paint, leading their teams’ respective defenses to top-notch seasons. In a league dominated by height, having a “7” in front of that number is almost a requirement. There are obvious exceptions. Slightly undersized bigs like Jaren Jackson Jr. and Robert Williams have excelled at protecting the rim thanks to their elite athleticism.
But there is no exception greater than Derrick White.
White is coming off the best season of his career, and the highlight was on the defensive end.