White's Unexpected Call to Team USA
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 had little time to acclimate, having been urgently called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard. White had initially planned to enjoy a family vacation in Cabo, but fate had different plans for the versatile guard.
White's unexpected call to the national team evokes memories of 2019, a pivotal year in his career. Back then, he was a last-minute addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. Initially, White had been playing with the Select Team and only secured a 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 remarked. "I feel (now) like I did back then and I'm just excited to be here."
This recent call came while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, where he was conducting his annual basketball camp. His return to the national stage comes on the heels of a remarkable NBA season, where White agreed to a four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Boston Celtics. The Celtics' NBA title last month marked a pinnacle for White, who was lauded for his defensive versatility and high-impact plays.
White's arrival was met with excitement by his new teammates. "I haven't seen D-White since the parade, so excited to have him here. He'll bring some championship DNA to this team," said Celtics forward Jayson Tatum. White reunited not just with Tatum but also with Celtics teammate Jrue Holiday and former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, who now serves as an assistant coach for Team USA.
Adding to the complexities of the team's preparation, forward Kevin Durant is set to miss Monday's exhibition game against Australia due to a rehabilitating strained calf. Coach Steve Kerr announced that Durant didn't have contact at practice and was focusing on shooting drills and rehab work. White's defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability make him a valuable asset for Team USA as they navigate these challenges.
White's journey is not just a testament to his skill but also his resilience and readiness to step up when called upon. His story is a narrative of seizing opportunities, much like his unexpected call-up in 2019. It serves as a reminder that in the world of sports, the winds of change can shift rapidly, creating heroes in the most unforeseen moments.