As Derrick White stepped onto the practice courts on a Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his illustrious basketball journey. Having touched down at 2:30 a.m. after a grueling flight from the U.S., White was called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard, injecting new energy into Team USA.
Originally, White had other plans—a family vacation in Cabo. However, this call-up isn’t a novel experience for him. In 2019, White had similarly made a last-minute entry 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. This time around, he was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, running his annual basketball camp when the call came through.
"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 said, radiating optimism and determination.
White's basketball career has been on an upward trajectory, notably marked by his recent four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. This rewarding deal followed a season where the Celtics clinched the NBA title, underscoring White's defensive versatility and high-impact plays. These qualities have become his hallmark, making him an invaluable asset for any team he joins.
Upon joining Team USA, White was met with warmth and enthusiasm from teammates, especially from Celtics' stars Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum. Tatum expressed his excitement: "I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team."
In addition to familiar faces like Holiday and Tatum, White also reunited with former Celtics team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, who now serves as an assistant with Team USA. This reunion is bound to strengthen the team’s chemistry and add layers of strategic insight given Van Gundy’s extensive experience and basketball acumen.
Team USA faces challenges of its own, with forward Kevin Durant sidelined for Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr mentioned that Durant did not engage in contact during practice, focusing instead on shooting drills and rehabilitation work. Durant's absence places greater emphasis on White's role in fortifying the team’s defense and overall gameplay.
White's defensive prowess, combined with his championship experience, makes him a vital asset to Team USA. As White steps into his new role, fans and teammates alike hold high expectations for his performance on the international stage. His adaptability and experience are expected to seamlessly integrate into the team’s dynamic and contribute significantly to their quest for excellence.
As with any sports journey, unpredictability keeps fans and players engaged. White’s unexpected call-up may not have been part of his summer plans, but his readiness to adapt and excel only adds to his growing reputation. This chapter might be sudden, but for White, it is another step in a career highlighted by readiness, dedication, and a relentless drive to succeed.