As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. The Boston Celtics guard arrived at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S., a testament to his dedication and commitment. This sudden call-up was necessitated by the injury to Kawhi Leonard, which left Team USA in need of White's defensive prowess and championship experience.
White’s arrival is strikingly reminiscent of his journey with Team USA back in 2019 when he was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. Then, he 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 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."
This recent call-up came while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp. The timing couldn’t have been more surprising, as White had planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo. Nevertheless, White, who recently agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics, didn’t hesitate to seize the opportunity to represent his country once again.
The Celtics' NBA title last month marked a pinnacle of a season noted for White's defensive versatility and high-impact plays. His ability to adapt and excel under pressure made him an invaluable asset to the Celtics, and it’s clear that Team USA coach Steve Kerr expects no less from him in the upcoming games. White’s reunion with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA, is sure to bring a sense of camaraderie and familiarity to the squad.
Jayson Tatum expressed his enthusiasm about White’s addition to the team, stating, "I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team." This sentiment underscores the respect and trust that White has earned from his peers, further highlighting his value to the team.
On the other side of the coin, Forward Kevin Durant is set to miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr revealed that Durant did not have contact at practice and focused on shooting drills and rehab work. This setback emphasizes the importance of having players like White who can step up in times of need and deliver consistent performances.
White's journey from Parker, Colorado, to the international stage with Team USA is a testament to his resilience and relentless work ethic. It’s a narrative that reflects the unpredictable nature of sports and the opportunities that come when least expected. As White gears up for the challenges ahead, fans and teammates alike can be confident that he will bring the same defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability that have defined his career thus far.
With the exhibition games on the horizon, Team USA aims to fine-tune their strategy and build on the synergy of their roster. Derrick White’s last-minute inclusion might just be the spark Team USA needs to continue their tradition of excellence on the global stage.