Derrick White's Journey with Team USA: From Last-Minute Call-Up to Key Contributor
As Derrick White stepped onto the practice courts on Sunday, it marked another surprising twist in his already remarkable basketball career. Fresh off a redeye flight from the U.S., White arrived at 2:30 a.m., ready to fill the void left by the injured Kawhi Leonard in the Team USA roster.
White's call-up disrupted his planned family vacation in Cabo, but it wasn’t entirely unfamiliar territory for the versatile guard. His journey with Team USA brings back memories of 2019, when he was added to the senior team roster for the World Cup in China as a last-minute replacement. Initially playing with the Select Team, White earned his spot after other prominent guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young opted out.
"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," White recalled. "I feel [now] like I did back then and I'm just excited to be here."
This latest call-up came while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp. His fans and followers back home are undoubtedly thrilled to see one of their own making headlines on the global stage once again.
The past year has been monumental for White. Fresh off a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics, White's defensive versatility and key contributions helped propel the Celtics to an NBA title last month. Now, reuniting with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, along with former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy—who now serves as an assistant with Team USA—White brings a wealth of championship experience to the national team.
"I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team," shared Jayson Tatum, highlighting not only White's skill set but also the camaraderie and familiarity that can prove invaluable in high-stakes international competition.
Another key player, forward Kevin Durant, will sit out Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Durant didn't participate in contact drills at practice, focusing exclusively on shooting and rehabilitation work. This development further underscores the importance of versatile players like White, who can step up defensively and provide stability.
White's adaptability, defensive prowess, and experience in high-pressure situations make him an invaluable asset for Team USA as they aim for glory. In a tournament where the stakes couldn't be higher, having a player with championship pedigree can make all the difference.
Though the landscape of the team has shifted due to injuries and last-minute changes, the core remains robust. White’s inclusion not only fills a gap but also enhances the team's depth and defensive strategy. His presence will provide much-needed relief and support for other players navigating the rigorous tournament schedule.
The very nature of White's journey—from a potential vacationer in Cabo to a critical member of Team USA—highlights the unpredictable paths professional athletes often take. Despite the unexpected turn of events, Derrick White remains poised and ready to leave his mark. Whether reflecting on past experiences or looking ahead to the challenges that await, his focus and dedication to the game are unmistakably clear.