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Derrick White Would Be A Good Second Round Addition

By James Niescier

Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) after the game against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Boulder, CO, USA; Colorado Buffaloes guard Derrick White (21) after the game against the Oregon Ducks at Coors Events Center. The Buffaloes defeated the Ducks 74-65. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 39th, 46th or 50th pick in the NBA Draft, Derrick White would be a great pick for the Philadelphia 76ers at a good value.

Derrick White, the 23 year old, fifth year senior who transferred from Division 2 to Colorado is a solid point guard that projects to go in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft. He’s also somebody the Philadelphia 76ers should strongly consider.

Averaging 18.3 points per game and 4.35 assists seems impressive enough, but scoring with such proficiency while shooting 51 percent with a lack of point guards in the draft almost guarantees he will not go undrafted. Standing 6-4, with a 6-7.5 wingspan, White has the size to be play point guard at the next level.

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    • White’s offensive game revolves around his shooting ability. Shooting 40 percent on threes with over 4 attempts per game, his shot will be his best NBA asset. White managed to use his pump-fake successfully in college, allowing him create penetration where he can finish with a floater or occasionally find the open teammate.

    White does not fade away from contact and can draw fouls in the paint where he was able to convert at an 81 percent rate. Unfortunately, White lacks the quickness and ball handling to beat defenders one on one, which often results in a contested shot. His vision and decision making seem to be average, which is reflected in his 14 percent turnover rate.

    White’s defensive ability in college was helped by his size, resulting in 1.44 blocks per game. White will be able to alter shots with his long arms if he can keep the opposition in front of him. Quicker guards will have a glaring mismatch that may force White into guarding the opposing two guards.

    With such long arms, we would hope that White could generate steals in passing lanes or by picking the pocket of the smaller opponents. Averaging 1.24 steals per game does not support that. His low steal numbers do not reflect his defensive ability. White sits low in his stance and moves his feet well. His lack of agility does result in him getting beat occasionally, but he stays with the player forcing a difficult contested layup.

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    Derrick White fits the mold of a shooting point, such as Jerryd Bayless or Rookie of the Year candidate Malcom Brogdon. Both Bayless and Brogdon play next to larger ball handlers in Giannis Antetokounmpo and Ben Simmons and provide valuable floor spacing. This style of point guard is exactly what the Philadelphia 76ers needs next to Ben Simmons.

    Although White’s game needs some polishing and the transition to the NBA will take time, the 76ers can afford to give him that time. Bayless is under contract for another two years, after which White could take over his role in their system. White’s combination of height and shooting ability make him a valid candidate for the Sixers with the 39th pick in the draft.