As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. White, who had touched down at 2:30 a.m. following an arduous flight from the U.S., was immediately thrust into the spotlight as Team USA called him up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard. This call-up disrupted what was supposed to be a relaxing family vacation in Cabo.
White's journey with Team USA brings to mind a similar scenario from 2019. Back then, he was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China, having been playing with the Select Team. He secured the final roster spot after higher-profile guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young withdrew. White said of his experience, "It was crazy going from the Select Team to the World Cup team, and I just think now I've just continued to get better and better and so feel much more comfortable. I feel (now) like I did back then and I'm just excited to be here."
This recent call-up came while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp. The timing was impeccable, coinciding with a period of professional and personal highs for White. He recently agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics, where he has showcased his defensive versatility and high-impact plays, contributing significantly to their NBA title last month.
Jayson Tatum, one of White's Celtics teammates, welcomed the addition. "I haven't seen D-White since the parade," Tatum remarked. "So excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team."
Reunion with Familiar Faces
The familiarity of faces in the Team USA setup presents an added comfort zone for White. He reunites with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as forms connections with former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA. This tight-knit atmosphere bodes well for the cohesion on and off the court.
However, not everything is smooth sailing for Team USA. Forward Kevin Durant is set to miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia as he rehabilitates a strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr revealed that Durant did not engage in contact during practice, focusing solely on shooting drills and rehab work.
White's defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him an invaluable asset for Team USA. Although his arrival was unexpected, it fills a critical need and brings a layer of depth to the roster, easing the burden brought by Leonard and Durant's absences.
This new chapter in White's career underscores his readiness to step up whenever duty calls. From the World Cup in China to this recent call-up, Derrick White has continuously proven his merit on the international stage. As Team USA gears up for their next challenge, White's addition could well be the X-factor in their quest for gold.