Celtics Guard to Replace Kawhi Leonard on Team USA

Bobby Krivitsky | Jul 10, 2024

May 25, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Boston Celtics guard Derrick White (9) shoots the ball against Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the third quarter of game three of the eastern conference finals in the 2024 NBA playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports / Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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Boston Celtics

Eight days ago, Derrick White celebrated his 30th birthday. As a belated gift, the Celtics guard is headed to Paris this summer.

According to Marc Spears of Andscape and ESPN, Kawhi Leonard is withdrawing from Team USA, and White will take his place at the Summer Olympics.

He joins fellow reigning NBA champions Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday in making up 25 percent of arguably the most talented roster the USA men's basketball program has assembled.

White, who signed a four-year, $125.9 million extension with Boston last week, averaged 15.2 points and 4.2 rebounds in the 2023-24 campaign, which are personal bests. He swiped a steal per game, matching his most in a season, and distributed 5.2 assists. He also knocked down 39.6 percent of the 6.8 threes he hoisted.

The two-time All-Defensive Team selection is an ideal complement to a star-studded roster featuring the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, and Tatum.

Team USA will scrimmage Team Canada on Wednesday night in Las Vegas. Their first game in France is against Serbia on Jul. 28.

Further Reading

Baylor Scheierman Surprised He Fell to Pick 30, Excited to Join Celtics

Jayson Tatum Wants to be in Boston His Entire Career

Celtics Rookie Anton Watson Shares Brad Stevens' Message to Him

Celtics' Coaching Staff Changes Match Theme of Boston's Offseason

Celtics Roster, Salary Cap Breakdown After Whirlwind Start to Free Agency

New Details about Plan to Sell Majority Stake in Celtics Revealed

Brad Stevens Shares His Outlook on Celtics' Draft Picks

Baylor Scheierman Shares Celtics' Feedback Before Drafting Him

Al Horford, Raising Cane's, and a Region that Loves Him

On Derrick White and the Fuel for Unprecedented Journey to NBA's Best Role Player

Jayson Tatum, an NBA Champion Entering Peak of His Powers

Published Jul 10, 2024|Modified Jul 10, 2024

BOBBY KRIVITSKY

Bobby Krivitsky's experiences include covering the NBA as a credentialed reporter for Basketball Insiders. He's also a national sports talk host for SportsMap Radio, a network airing on 96 radio stations throughout the country. Additionally, he was a major-market host, update anchor, and producer for IMG Audio, and he worked for Bleacher Report as an NFL and NBA columnist.