Indiana Pacers legend Reggie Miller stirred up controversy on Thursday by sharing his NBA All-Star ballot, featuring a surprising name: Boston Celtics guard Derrick White. Miller’s selection of White over Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young ignited a frenzy among NBA fans on social media.
Derrick White’s Impressive Season Stats
White, a productive two-way player for the league-leading Celtics with a record of 35-10, has had an impressive season. Through 41 games, he is averaging a career-high 15.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.2 blocks, and 2.7 three-pointers per game on 46.5% shooting. Despite his contributions, White ranks fourth on his team in scoring.
Trae Young as Atlanta Hawks’ Scoring Leader
On the other hand, Trae Young serves as the clear-cut No. 1 scoring option for the Atlanta Hawks. In 39 games, the two-time All-Star has averaged 26.9 points, 3.0 rebounds, 10.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 3.3 three-pointers per game on 42.2% shooting. However, Atlanta’s losing record of 18-26 has led some to question the impact of Young’s stats.
Players averaging 26+ PPG and 10+ APG this season:
—Trae Young.
End of list. pic.twitter.com/28HjgweBh3
— ❆ (@TraesMuse) January 26, 2024
Controversial All-Star Selection Sparks Fan Outrage
While some fans accused Young of putting up empty stats, others expressed outrage over Miller’s preference for White. Many fans on NBA X (formerly Twitter) voiced their disagreement, emphasizing the perceived importance of scoring in All-Star voting.
One fan exclaimed, “Derrick White over Trae is crazy,” reflecting the sentiment shared by many.
Derrick White over Trae is crazy
— BGN Hoops (@BGNHoops) January 26, 2024
Another fan commented, “Trae is the most disrespected player in the league for no reason.”
Trae is the most disrespected player in the league for no reason…
— casey (@sportsby_me) January 26, 2024
Mixed Reactions to Miller’s Selection
Despite the controversy, a few fans sided with Reggie Miller unconventional selection. One supporter stated, “Yes, Derrick White deserves it. Sadly, Trae is more of an All-Star in the traditional sense (team leader and stats).”
Another fan echoed this sentiment, saying, “D-White getting some love. It’s only right.”
D White getting some love. It’s only right. 🤷🏻♂️
— Dcentric (@xDcentric) January 26, 2024
The Ongoing Debate in All-Star Selections
Reggie Miller’s All-Star ballot managed to ignite a heated debate among fans, highlighting the ongoing tension between valuing individual performance and team success in All-Star selections. As the discussion rages on, fans continue to grapple with the criteria that should take precedence in recognizing NBA All-Star talent.
“Derrick White over Trae is crazy”: NBA Twitter outrage erupts as Reggie Miller’s All-Star ballot stirs controversy https://t.co/S9XFG7uQp9 #NBA #Basketball
— Sports Worldwide (@Sportsworld0412) January 26, 2024
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