Boston Celtics guard Derrick White’s standout season may lead to an even greater opportunity: representing Team USA at the upcoming Olympics. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, White has emerged as a top candidate to replace Kawhi Leonard on the roster if the Los Angeles Clippers forward is unable to participate due to knee inflammation.
“I’m told that Derrick White will be a prominent replacement candidate for USA Basketball’s summer Olympic roster if the Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard is not able to fully rehab back that knee injury that ended his playoff season prematurely.”
Woj says Team USA is preparing replacements for Kawhi Leonard if he’s not ready for the Olympics:
“I’m told Derrick White looms as a real potential candidate for Team USA in the Summer Olympics if Kawhi Leonard is unable to successfully rehab back from that knee inflammation… pic.twitter.com/Xoy3cWIEuC
— Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) June 15, 2024
Leonard has been struggling with knee issues since the end of the regular season, which significantly impacted his performance and availability during the Clippers’ first-round playoff exit against the Dallas Mavericks. With the Olympics fast approaching, Team USA may need to find a replacement, and White’s versatile skill set makes him an ideal candidate.
White’s game is well-suited for international play. He excels in roles that require strong defense, playmaking, and the ability to push the pace—key components for success in the international basketball arena.
The Team USA roster often features a surplus of scoring talent, so players who can contribute in multiple facets are highly valued. White’s defensive prowess and unselfish playstyle would make him a valuable addition to the team.
If selected, White would join fellow Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday on the national team. This trio already has strong chemistry, having been integral to Boston’s success this season.
The Celtics, who are on the brink of their 18th NBA championship, have benefited greatly from White’s contributions. He averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game during the regular season and has continued to perform at a high level throughout the playoffs.
Boston is keen on securing White’s long-term future with the team. He is eligible for a contract extension worth up to $126 million over four years, and re-signing him will be a priority for the Celtics in the offseason. Alongside Jayson Tatum’s potential super-max extension, White’s new deal would be a significant investment in maintaining the team’s core.
As Team USA monitors Leonard’s recovery, White remains a strong contender to step in if needed. His defensive skills, ability to play multiple roles, and experience with his Celtics teammates make him an excellent fit for the Olympic squad. Whether or not he gets the call, White’s future looks bright both with Team USA and the Boston Celtics.
There Are Other Stars Who Should Be A Higher Priority Than Derrick White
Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, and Kyrie Irving have all demonstrated performances this season that arguably make them higher priorities for the national team.
Jalen Brunson had an incredible season, leading the New York Knicks to a 50-32 record and securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference. Brunson averaged 32.4 points, 7.5 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game while shooting 44.4% from the field and 31.0% from three-point range.
He was pivotal in the playoffs, shouldering the load for the Knicks despite falling in the second round due to injuries to himself and other key players.
Jaylen Brown has been instrumental for the Boston Celtics, who are just one game away from clinching their 18th NBA title. In the playoffs, Brown has averaged 24.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, with shooting splits of 53.2% from the field and 33.7% from three-point range. His performance has been crucial in Boston’s deep playoff run, showcasing his scoring and defensive abilities.
Kyrie Irving has also been a significant contributor to the Dallas Mavericks‘ playoff success. Averaging 22.5 points, 5.0 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game while shooting 47.4% from the field and 39.4% from beyond the arc, Irving has been a key player for the Mavericks. Despite being down 3-1 in the Finals, Irving’s performance has been a highlight for Dallas.
While Derrick White brings valuable skills to the table, including defense, playmaking, and versatility, the aforementioned players have had standout seasons and playoff performances that make them deserving of a call-up to Team USA.
Each of these stars has demonstrated their ability to perform at a high level under pressure and contribute significantly to their teams’ successes. Given their impressive credentials and impactful performances, Jalen Brunson, Jaylen Brown, and Kyrie Irving should be prioritized for the national team.
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