As Derrick White took to the practice courts on Sunday, it signaled the onset of another surprising chapter in his ever-evolving basketball career. This particular journey began in the early hours of the morning, arriving at 2:30 a.m. after an exhausting flight from the United States. White had been called up to step in for the injured Kawhi Leonard, marking another unexpected turn in his professional timeline.
White's call-up came at a time when he was gearing up for a relaxing family vacation in Cabo. Reflecting on how this unexpected change evokes memories of 2019, White recalls his last-minute inclusion in Team USA for the World Cup in China. "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," said White. "I feel (now) like I did back then and I'm just excited to be here."
Back in 2019, White was performing with the Select Team and ultimately grabbed the last roster spot after higher-profile guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young withdrew. Fast forward to today, he was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, running his annual basketball camp when the call from Team USA came again.
This year, White's professional life reached new heights when he agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics, fresh off their NBA title win last month, saw significant contributions from White, particularly noted for his defensive versatility and high-impact plays. His performance during the season has clearly positioned him as a key player both at home and on the international stage.
His arrival at Team USA's camp also brought a reunion with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, and former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, who now serves as an assistant for Team USA. Tatum shared his enthusiasm about White's arrival, 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."
Despite the joyous reunions, the team faces challenges. Forward Kevin Durant will be absent from Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a calf strain. Coach Steve Kerr noted that Durant's practice activity was limited to shooting drills and rehabilitation work to ensure a swift recovery.
White's defensive acumen, extensive championship experience, and adaptability on the court render him an invaluable asset to Team USA as they navigate these hurdles. His journey from the Select Team to an indispensable national player reflects a continual evolution and growth, one that his teammates and coaching staff deeply value.
As Team USA prepares for their exhibition games, the integration of experienced and versatile players like Derrick White will be crucial. The team aims to translate their individual accolades and experiences into cohesive, strategic plays that can withstand the competitive international landscape.
In the grand tapestry of Derrick White's career, his current journey with Team USA stands as yet another testament to his resilience, readiness, and relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether he’s stepping in as a last-minute addition or signing multi-million dollar contracts, White's narrative is one of rising to the occasion—regardless of how unexpected the call may be.