Derrick White Steps Up For Team USA at Paris Olympics

Photo: Instagram/Derrick White

Boston Celtics guard Derrick White is ready to help Team USA at the Paris Olympics. Known for his strong defense, White fills a critical need for the team.

When Kawhi Leonard had to step out due to knee issues, White got the call to join Team USA. White’s journey is remarkable, considering he couldn’t even make a Division I college team 12 years ago.

“Glad to be here,” White said, arriving just in time for practice on Sunday.

Photo: Instagram/Derrick White

White's basketball path took him from a Division II school to the University of Colorado, then to the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs and now the Boston Celtics. He’s known for his defensive skills, ball handling, and reliable 3-point shooting.

Though White has never been an All-Star or won major awards, his fit with Team USA is crucial. The team needs role players to create chemistry and play against international teams with long-standing cohesion.


White’s defense impressed USA Basketball director Grant Hill and the coaching staff, and he played a key role in the Celtics winning the NBA title this year.

“I just want to go out there and do what I do, try to fill any holes we might have,” White said.


White joins Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown on Team USA, though he wasn't the obvious third pick. Brown, who had a stellar summer, campaigned for the spot but Team USA felt White's skills were a better fit.

Team USA had concerns about Kawhi Leonard’s conditioning and knee. When Leonard couldn’t continue, White was called up, helped by endorsements from his former coaches Jeff Van Gundy and Gregg Popovich.

White is excited to play alongside Jrue Holiday and Tatum again. Tatum expressed happiness for White, calling him an NBA champion and now an Olympian.

Reflecting on his journey, White mentioned his late development and his growth under Popovich with the Spurs. This year, he won an NBA title, signed a four-year, $126 million contract extension, and now joins Team USA.

White had to cancel a planned trip to Cabo for this opportunity. “I’m supposed to be in Cabo right now,” he said. “But it’s better to be here.”

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Source: NBA 

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