Ex-NBA player blasts ESPN for leaving Derrick White of top 100 players list

Ex-NBA player blasts ESPN for leaving Derrick White off top 100 players list

originally appeared on
NBC Sports Boston

We’re just a week away from the start of the 2023-24 NBA season and with it comes the release of numerous rankings, such as the top 50 or top 100 players in the league.

These lists always generate intense debates, particularly when it comes to the top 10 players. However, the players left out of these lists also tend to stir up a lot of discussion.

One recent list that caused quite a stir was ESPN’s top 100 players ranking. The list included four Boston Celtics players: Kristaps Porzingis (No. 62), Jrue Holiday (No. 26), Jaylen Brown (No. 19), and Jayson Tatum (No. 6).

However, one notable player was missing from the list: Derrick White.

Despite his exceptional all-around skills and second-team All-Defense recognition last season, White failed to receive enough votes from the almost 150 people involved in ESPN’s ranking process.

J.J. Redick, a former NBA player and host of the popular podcast Old Man & the Three, was outraged by White’s exclusion. Redick firmly believes that not only should White be on the top 100 list, but he should also be in the top 50.

Check out Redick’s complete rant in the video below:

So, who made ESPN’s top 100 list instead of White that shouldn’t have?

Here are some notable players ranked from No. 100 to No. 51:

• Mitchell Robinson, No. 100

• Grant Williams, No. 97

• Jalen Williams, No. 95

• Russell Westbrook, No. 94

• Immanuel Quickley, No. 92

• Josh Hart, No. 91

• John Collins, No. 90

• Kyle Kuzma, No. 86

• Tobias Harris, No. 83

• Bobby Portis, No. 81

• Jordan Clarkson, No. 77

• Jordan Poole, No. 72

• Walker Kessler, No. 70

• Jerami Grant, No. 58

When asked if he was surprised by ESPN’s exclusion, White responded, “Surprised? That’s been the story of my life, so not really surprised. It is what it is.”

White was an excellent sixth man for the Celtics last season and is expected to continue playing that role this season. He excels in scoring, defense, and has improved his 3-point shooting. He’s a highly intelligent player who performs exceptionally well in the playoffs. Although he’s not flashy and doesn’t produce mind-blowing stats, any head coach of a title contender would love to have a player of White’s caliber coming off the bench.