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. This call-up came at a particularly poignant time, as White had planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo. Instead, he found himself donning the Team USA jersey once more.
The situation is not foreign to White. His journey with Team USA recalls a similar story from 2019 when he was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. Back then, 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 these experiences, White remarked, "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 happened while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp. Regardless of the sudden nature of the invitation, White’s commitment to seizing the moment is steadfast. His recent form can be largely attributed to his stellar season with the Boston Celtics, which culminated in a four-year, $126 million contract extension. The Celtics' NBA title last month marked a pinnacle of a season noted for White's defensive versatility and high-impact plays.
Reunited with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA, White slips seamlessly back into the national team environment. Echoing the excitement of having White on board, Tatum stated, "I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team."
The significance of White’s presence in the squad is magnified further by the absence of 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 focused on shooting drills and rehab work instead. While the loss of Durant is a substantial blow, White's defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him a valuable asset for Team USA moving forward.
White’s journey from an unexpected last-minute addition in 2019 to a relied-upon cornerstone speaks volumes about his growth and determination. His adaptability and tenacity resonate with the ethos of Team USA. As White continues to shape his place within the team, his story underscores the unpredictable and rewarding nature of professional sports.