Derrick White Joins Team USA Following Unexpected Call-Up
As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. Arriving at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S., White was called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard. It’s a scenario that brings back memories of 2019, when White was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China.
White’s sudden inclusion in Team USA is a striking parallel to four years ago, where he had been playing with the Select Team and managed to secure the final roster spot after higher-profile guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young withdrew. This time, the call-up interrupted his plans for a family vacation in Cabo.
“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,” White said.
This recent call-up came while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp. Despite the sudden change in plans, White embraces yet another opportunity to represent his country, adding to his already storied journey with Team USA.
White’s profile has grown considerably since his last-minute roster addition in 2019. Recently, he agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. White's defensive versatility and high-impact plays contributed significantly to the Celtics’ NBA title last month, marking a pinnacle of a season.
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 brings championship experience and defensive prowess to the squad.
“I haven’t seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He’ll bring some championship DNA to this team,” Tatum remarked, signaling the high regard his teammates hold for him.
In the upcoming games, forward Kevin Durant will miss Monday’s exhibition against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr announced Durant did not have contact at practice, focusing on shooting drills and rehab work instead. With Durant sidelined, White's adaptability and experience will be crucial assets for Team USA.
White’s journey from a small Colorado hometown to the grand stages of international basketball and the NBA paints a picture of resilience and growth. His ability to rise to the occasion, whether it’s securing a spot on the World Cup team at the last minute or filling in for an injured superstar, underscores his value to any squad he’s a part of.
Coach Kerr and the rest of Team USA will undoubtedly rely on White’s defensive skills and experience to navigate through the exhibition games and forthcoming competitions. As White integrates with his teammates and brings in lessons learned from a championship-winning season with the Celtics, the team’s prospects seem ever brighter.
For Derrick White, the journey continues, marked by unexpected turns and significant achievements, solidifying his status as a reliable and talented player on the international stage.