As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. The versatile guard had just arrived at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S., called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard on Team USA.
White had planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo, but a sudden twist of fate has seen him don the national team jersey once again. This shift recalls a similar story from 2019 when he was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. At that time, White was 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.
Speaking about his recent call-up, which came while he was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp, White said, "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."
An Unexpected Journey
The rapid turnaround for White has been nothing short of extraordinary. Just last month, White helped the Boston Celtics clinch the NBA title, marking the pinnacle of a season noted for his defensive versatility and high-impact plays. The triumph also coincided with White agreeing to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Celtics. Now, he finds himself reuniting with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA.
"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, echoing the excitement around White's inclusion in the squad.
Key Absences and Impact Players
Team USA will be without forward Kevin Durant, who will miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr announced that Durant did not have contact at practice and was focused on shooting drills and rehab work. White’s defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him an invaluable asset for the team, particularly in Durant's absence.
White's role in the coming games will be crucial as Team USA looks to fine-tune its lineup and strategies ahead of major international competitions. His seamless ability to switch from offense to defense and his championship-tested mettle make him a natural fit for a team with high aspirations.
The familiarity with his Celtics teammates and a coaching staff that believes in his abilities will only ease White’s transition into the squad. As White integrates into the team’s system, his journey from a last-minute addition to a possible game-changer serves as an inspiring narrative in the realm of professional basketball.
While the road to success for both White and Team USA may be fraught with challenges, his inclusion underscores one of sports’ timeless truths: opportunity often comes when least expected. For White, it’s another chapter in an already remarkable career, replete with moments of perseverance, adaptability, and high achievement.