As Derrick White stood on the practice courts this past Sunday, it was the dawn of yet another unanticipated chapter in his fascinating basketball odyssey. After a journey marked by unexpected turns and relentless hard work, White finds himself back with Team USA, a testament to his unwavering commitment and resilience.
White's arrival at 2:30 a.m., following an exhaustingly protracted flight from the United States, was the first inkling of his unplanned yet welcomed reappearance in the national team setup. Called up to replace the injured Kawhi Leonard, White's summer took a sudden, yet familiar, detour from his original plans. He had been looking forward to a relaxing family vacation in Cabo, a well-deserved respite after a grueling NBA season. Instead, duty called, and White answered with the same dedication that has characterized his career.
In many ways, this scenario is a poignant echo of 2019, when White was a late addition to the senior team for the World Cup in China. Back then, he was playing with the Select Team and got his shot after prominent guards like De'Aaron Fox and Trae Young withdrew. Despite the higher-profile withdrawals, White's performance proved he belonged with the elite. His journey from a last-minute addition to a key team member encapsulated his relentless pursuit of excellence.
This latest call-up came while White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado, engrossed in his annual basketball camp. It's a testament to his roots and his desire to give back to his community, even as he continues to ascend to greater heights in his professional career.
Emerging Leader and Versatile Defender
The timing of this call is particularly fortuitous for White and the Boston Celtics. The ink is barely dry on his new four-year, $126 million contract extension with the Celtics, underscoring the tremendous value the franchise places on his contributions. This follows the Celtics' recent NBA title triumph, a season where White's defensive versatility and high-impact plays were indispensable to their success.
Reuniting with Celtics teammates Jrue Holiday and Jayson Tatum, as well as former team advisor Jeff Van Gundy, now an assistant with Team USA, offers White a comforting familiarity. It’s a combination of fresh challenges and old alliances, perfectly suited to bring out the best in him.
"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 reflected on his journey.
Eyes on the Prize
For Team USA, White's inclusion couldn't have come at a better time. Forward Kevin Durant is set to miss the exhibition game against Australia, owing to a rehabilitating strained calf. Durant's absence combined with White’s excellent form means the latter's defensive prowess, championship experience, and adaptability will be invaluable to Coach Steve Kerr. According to Kerr, Durant did not have contact at practice and was focusing on shooting drills and rehab work, making White's presence even more crucial.
Jayson Tatum's excitement at having his teammate onboard 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," said Tatum. It’s a sentiment that underscores the camaraderie and mutual respect shared among the players, a vital ingredient for any team's success.
Indeed, Derrick White's career has been a story of seizing opportunities and making the most of them. From being a last-minute roster addition to securing a significant contract extension and helping steer the Celtics to an NBA championship, his journey is a rich tapestry of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering resolve. As he embarks on this new chapter with Team USA, fans and pundits alike will watch with bated breath, eager to witness yet another display of his unmistakable talent and tenacity.
Only time will tell how far this latest chapter will take him, but one thing is clear: Derrick White is here, ready, and fully prepared to make an impact.