Of the three Boston Celtics players currently playing for Team USA, Derrick White is probably the one that surprises NBA fans the most. Jaylen Brown’s exclusion from the team is still a matter of controversy for fans after the stellar performance he showed during the 2024 Finals.
However, the Americans still boast one of the best rosters in the tournament even if they didn’t get the best possible players for the team. From LeBron James and Stephen Curry’s connection to Anthony Edwards’ stellar personality while on the team, there’s no doubt that expectations are high for the Stars and Stripes.
In a team full of NBA superstars, it’s easy to get lost in all of the hype. However, it seems like White knows how to focus on the ultimate goal when it comes to role in the roster.
Boston Celtics’ Derrick White is glad to be playing with Team USA ahead of the 2024 Paris Games
The Boston Celtics guard was asked about his current stint in Team USA while they were in the middle of their Abu Dhabi training gamp. He explained that he didn’t expect Kawhi Leonard to pull out of the team in the last minute.
Per Basketball Forever’s Duncan McColl:
“I had assumed that Kawhi was going to continue,” White explained. “I got the call and I was ready to go. … I just had to talk to the family and try to figure out how we can make it work and as quickly as possible. I’m super thankful and grateful and excited to be here.”
He also elaborated on what he thought about playing with his Celtics teammates in Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday:
“I’m obviously playing with Jrue (Holiday) and JT again,” he said. “It will be a lot of fun. Just looking forward to getting out there.”
White added, “I just want to go out there and do what I do, try to fill any holes we might have.”
The 30-year-old guard will provide scoring and defense for Team USA. In his most recent campaign with the C’s last season, the Colorado product averaged 15.2 points, 4.2 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 1.0 steals in 73 starts.
He doesn’t take away from the high floor Team USA has, and he might become vital during the Games’ most important matches.
