Derrick White Joins Team USA: The Unlikely Journey of a Champion
As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. White's arrival at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S. vividly underscores his commitment and dedication to the game. Called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard, White's presence on Team USA's roster brings both his defensive prowess and championship experience, making him an invaluable asset for the national team.
White had initially planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo. Instead, the call from Team USA interrupted those plans, much like in 2019 when he was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. At that time, White had been playing with the Select Team and secured the final roster spot after higher-profile guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young withdrew. Reflecting on that experience, White states, "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 comes while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp. Such interruptions are not uncommon for White, who recently agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. His dedication to both his team and his country is apparent.
The Celtics' NBA title last month marked a pinnacle of a season noted for White's defensive versatility and high-impact plays. Reuniting with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy—now an assistant with Team USA—White arrives with both familiarity and chemistry on his side. "I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team," said Tatum, reflecting the sentiment shared by many in the squad.
In addition to bolstering the team with his championship experience, White's defensive adaptability stands out. With Forward Kevin Durant missing Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf, White's role becomes even more critical. Coach Steve Kerr announced that Durant did not have contact at practice and focused on shooting drills and rehab work, highlighting the team's need for White's multifaceted skill set.
White's defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him a valuable asset for Team USA, especially during critical points of the competition. As the team faces diverse challenges and opponents, having a player of White's caliber can make a substantial difference.
For Derrick White, these moments of being called up unexpectedly seem to be a recurring theme, underscoring his reputation as a reliable and adaptable player ready to rise to the occasion. His journey with Team USA not only brings back memories of his past triumphs but also introduces new opportunities to shine on an international stage.
As the team prepares for their upcoming games, Derrick White stands ready, once again prepared to seize the moment and contribute to his team in every possible way. His unwavering drive and versatility continue to underscore his value, making him a key component of Team USA's quest for victory.