There is no question that Boston Celtics guard Derrick White belongs on Team USA.
After being added to the squad following Kawhi Leonard’s withdrawal due to injury, there seemed to be a lot of complaining and confusion surrounding the decision to add White and USA Basketball managing director Grant Hill explained the reasoning for White’s addition to the team.
White certainly showed why he was the perfect fit for the star-studded squad in Team USA’s 103-86 victory over South Sudan on Wednesday.
Off the bench, White played just over 17 minutes and went 3-for-3 from the field — all three-pointers — for 10 points. He added three steals, one block, one assist and one rebound to his stat sheet.
During the broadcast, former NBA player and current Olympic commentator Robbie Hummel praised the Celtics guard’s play, per Sports Illustrated’s Bobby Krivitsky.
“Derrick White, I feel, has really justified his selection here,” Hummel said. “You can see watching the game how much Steve Kerr trusts him. … Derrick White does the little things. You’ve already got LeBron (James), you’ve got (Kevin Durant), you’ve got Steph Curry. You need someone that’s going to go out there and guard; play a role.”
White is a premier perimeter defender and disruptor. He is a quick decision-maker, cutter, and screener with a lethal shot. He was the perfect defender to complement Curry, Durant, James and Bam Adebayo’s offense.
Undefeated Team USA cemented its spot in the quarterfinals with a clash against Puerto Rico on Saturday to close out pool play
