As Derrick White stood on the practice courts Sunday, it marked the beginning of another unexpected chapter in his basketball journey. Arriving at 2:30 a.m. after a long flight from the U.S., White joined Team USA following a call-up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard. This was not how White had envisioned his week—instead of practicing under the scorching desert sun, he had planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo, facing the serene Pacific Ocean.
However, such sudden shifts have become somewhat familiar to White. 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. At that time, White 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. "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," White said of his past experience. "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. Fresh off a championship win with the Boston Celtics and having recently agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension, White had been enjoying some well-deserved time off. The Celtics' NBA title last month was a pinnacle of a season marked by defensive versatility and high-impact plays, qualities that made him an attractive addition to Team USA's roster.
White's inclusion, however, wasn’t without controversy. Celtics teammate Jaylen Brown was another candidate for Leonard's replacement, and some eyebrows were raised when Team USA decision-makers opted for White. Yet, his defensive adaptability and ability to back up teammate Jrue Holiday were viewed as significant advantages. Teams in international competitions like the Olympics are often built around star guards or star big men, and White's all-around game provided a balance that could prove crucial.
Reuniting with some familiar faces, White spent time before practice with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA. Tatum was particularly excited about White's arrival. "I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here," Tatum said. "He'll bring some championship DNA to this team." For White, the presence of his NBA peers could aid his transition and performance on the international stage.
The composition of the team remains fluid, especially with key players dealing with injuries. Coach Steve Kerr announced that forward Kevin Durant would miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia. Durant, rehabilitating a strained calf, did not have contact at practice and focused on shooting drills and rehab work. His status remains day-to-day, adding an element of uncertainty to Team USA's lineup plans.
White's unexpected journey from a planned vacation in Cabo to the training courts of Team USA is just another testament to his resilience and readiness to seize new opportunities. As he integrates into the team practices, drawing on his 2019 World Cup experience and recent NBA triumphs, White is poised to contribute significantly. His defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him a valuable asset as Team USA gears up for its forthcoming challenges.
In the dynamic world of professional basketball, fortunes can change swiftly. For Derrick White, a well-timed call and a willingness to adapt have once again landed him on one of the biggest stages in the sport, ready to represent his country and prove his mettle. Whether or not this trajectory was foreseeable, it is certainly a journey worth watching.