Boston’s Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum were named as All-Star reserves on Thursday, but Derrick White wasn’t selected despite his impressive performances.
Though, there is still a way for White to make his way into the team, NBC Sports Boston’s Brian Scalabrine explained.
“Julius Randle has a shoulder problem,” Scalabrine said of the current Eastern Conference All-Star lineup. “I knew the coaches were going to put him in because if he has to miss the All-Star Game, that would put in an injury reserve player. I don’t know if this news about Joel Embiid is factual or not, and what the [torn] meniscus means [for his future], but obviously he’s a starter.”
Embiid’s injury and Randle’s injury will likely sideline them both for at least two-three weeks and All-Star weekend begins on February 16.
“Just because Derrick White did not make the All-Star game right now doesn’t mean that he’s not going to make it,” Scalabrine added. “One thing I know about the commissioner is — I do not see Scottie Barnes on this list — he’s going to want Canada to be interested in the All-Star Game. So, I think if you get no Julius Randle, no Joel Embiid — I think those spots would go to Scottie Barnes and Derrick White.”
The final fan return of the All-Star voting saw White receive the seventh most votes (707,845) among Eastern Conference guards.
After All-Star selections were announced, the Lakers embarrassed the Celtics on their home court, beating them 114-105 without LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
In the contest, White had nine points, four rebounds and six assists on 20 percent shooting from three.
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