The honors start rolling out as the season concludes. And it’s safe to say that not all of the public will be pleased with the inclusions. The NBA fandom went into a vortex of hatred when Shai Gilgeous-Alexander won the MVP honors last night. They claim that Nikola Jokic was snubbed. The verdict is no different now that the All-NBA Defensive teams are out. Draymond Green and the likes making it into the team isn’t the problem. But it’s the obvious exclusions that are causing the problem.

The first team includes Green, Evan Mobley, Dyson Daniels, Lu Dort, and Amen Thompson. Mobley being the DPOY was a no-brainer. And the same goes with Daniels, leading the league in steals and getting the Most Improved Player honors too. As for the second team, Toumani Camara, Rudy Gobert, Jaren Jackson Jr., Jalen Williams, and Ivica Zubac made the list. Considering that most of the 10 were up for DPOY, none of them really seem like outside picks.

The real crux of the matter lies with the exclusion of players like Alex Caruso and Derrick White, among others. Everyone in the NBA would support their inclusion, even without bias. Now wonder netizens are raging…

NBA fans infuriated with Caruso and White exclusions

Derrick White and Kristaps Porzingis’ defensive efforts helped Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown shine on Celtics’ 18th championship run last season. On the other side, Caruso was dubbed the “Jokic Stopper” after the Nuggets-Thunder series. So the fans didn’t really leave much to speculation when they said things like: “Derrick white doesn’t exist I guess“, “Caruso plays cricket” and “Did Derek white d–??” So let’s break them down.

Derrick White and Alex Caruso‘s game goes far beyond their numbers. And even as their team gets the spotlight, they’re always the first to thank the pair. Do you not get noticed if you’re sporting a bald-headed sweatband look? Both of don’t just look the same, they play the same role in their teams. And are loved by all fans alike. So you can’t really blame the watchers to question their exclusion.

But there was love shown too. Draymond Green was a no brainer. “Draymond Green at 35 still locking the league 🔥🙌🙌🙌,” said one fan. Fans love Green. He may be criticized for his aggression. But at the end of the day, you’ll still have a 35-year-old DrayMagic in your defensive half. However, the real love came for OKC Thunder’s Luguentz Dort.

Man concurred with Dort’s invaluable contributions, saying: “Chuck called it Dort deserves it“ and “Lu finally got his respect.“ The Canadian guard was the pivotal defensive piece in the best defensive team of the season. He solidified his reputation as one of the NBA’s premier perimeter defenders, and he backed up with solid, consistent performances…

Though posting a defensive rating of 109.9, just like Caruso and White, his contribution goes way past numbers. On paper, he might’ve only averaged 0.7 steals and 0.5 blocks in 11 postseason games. But his ability to guard multiple positions, anticipate opponents’ moves, and apply relentless pressure makes him a linchpin in the Thunder’s defensive schemes. And guess what? That kind of talent rewards you with your first NBA All-Defensive First Team honor. The Dorture Chamber has finally been acknowledged.

Were Alex Caruso and Derrick White’s exemptions justified? Not by a long shot. Their contributions go way past numbers, and they should’ve gotten the same treatment as Dort. But as for the likes of Draymond Green, Evan Mobley and Co.? Absolute no brainers.