Derrick White Reinvents Path with Team USA, Replaces Kawhi Leonard
As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. White’s arrival at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S. signaled a swift end to what was supposed to be a family vacation in Cabo, and the start of a new challenge with Team USA.
White was called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard, reprising a role that’s become somewhat familiar to him. This isn't the first time White's plans have changed at a moment’s notice. 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 in 2019, White was playing with the Select Team and secured the final roster spot after higher profile guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young withdrew. "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 reflected on his ongoing evolution.
While the circumstances of his recent call-up mirrored previous experiences, the backdrop this time was distinctly celebratory. White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, conducting his annual basketball camp when he received the call. Fresh off his NBA championship with the Boston Celtics and a new four-year, $126 million contract extension, White was set to unwind and reconnect with family.
His performance in the Celtics' title-winning season was notable for his defensive versatility and high-impact plays, attributes he now brings to a Team USA looking to reclaim its dominance on the global stage. His reunion with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy—now an assistant with Team USA—adds a layer of camaraderie 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, highlighting the invaluable experience White brings to the table.
However, the road for Team USA won't be entirely smooth. It was announced that forward Kevin Durant would miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr noted that Durant did not have contact at practice and focused on shooting drills and rehab work.
White's adaptability, championship experience, and defensive prowess make him a valuable asset for Team USA, especially with Durant temporarily sidelined. His ability to seamlessly integrate into new team dynamics, proven both in the NBA and previous international competitions, sets him up to play a pivotal role in the upcoming games.
As White navigates this latest twist in his career, his journey underlines the unpredictability and resilience required to excel at the highest levels of the sport. Whether filling in at the last minute or stepping up in critical moments, Derrick White continues to carve out a legacy defined by readiness, adaptability, and excellence.