As Derrick White stepped onto the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of yet another unexpected chapter in his already illustrious basketball journey. Arriving at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S., White was swiftly called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard on Team USA.
The Unexpected Call
White had originally planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo. Instead, his hometown of Parker, Colorado, became the launching pad for his latest professional adventure. White was in the midst of conducting his annual basketball camp when he received the call from Team USA.
A sense of déjà vu likely accompanied this call-up. In 2019, White was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. At that time, he had been playing with the Select Team, ultimately securing a spot on the final roster following the withdrawals of high-profile guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young.
From NBA Success to International Duty
White's recent achievements further underscore his readiness for this challenge. The guard recently agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics, following a standout season where they claimed the NBA title. The championship run highlighted White’s defensive versatility and high-impact plays.
"It was crazy going from the Select Team to the World Cup team," White reflected. "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."
Integration with Team USA
Reuniting with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA, White seamlessly integrated into the squad. Tatum's excitement was palpable. "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 said.
For Team USA, White’s defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him a valuable asset. While forward Kevin Durant is set to miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf, White's addition offers strategic flexibility to Coach Steve Kerr. Kerr noted that Durant had no contact at practice, focusing instead on shooting drills and rehab work.
Looking Ahead
As White embarks on this new chapter, the blend of his NBA success and his previous international experiences primes him for yet another significant impact. Whether replacing an injured star like Leonard or stepping up at the last minute as in 2019, White's journey underscores his resilience and readiness. His championship pedigree, paired with a relentless drive to improve, makes his contributions to Team USA not just valuable, but potentially game-changing.
White stands ready to embrace his role once again on the international stage, proving that his rise is driven not just by opportunity, but by sheer capability and a tireless commitment to excellence.