Derrick White was in his hometown of Parker, Colorado hosting a youth basketball camp when he got a call from Team USA.
He was supposed to board a flight to Cabo San Lucas, but instead headed to the Persian Gulf to meet with Team USA, after being called up to replace Kawhi Leonard.
“I'd rather be here,” said White.
The Celtics guard arrived a few hours before the team's practice on Sunday.
“I thought Kawhi would continue,” explained White. “I got the call and got ready to go. … I had to talk to the family and try to figure out how we can get it working again as quickly as possible. I am very thankful and grateful and happy to be here.”
The 30-year-old is coming off a big year, after his first NBA championship with Boston and a second-team All-Defense selection.
White's defense and three-point shooting were key to the Celtics' success in the regular season and last season.
He was excited to meet teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday on the national stage.
“Obviously I play with Jrue (Holiday) and JT again,” he said. “It's going to be a lot of fun. I'm looking forward to getting out there. “
White added, “I want to go out and do what I do, try to fill any holes that we might have.”
He was a member of the 2019 USA World Cup Team that finished with a 6-2 record and seventh place and Tatum reflected on his time with White at that camp.
“It was my first time really getting to know him,” Tatum said Athletic. “We were studying in the same class but I didn't know him very well and that is a testament to him how hard he works. I don't know if anyone saw that he would get to where he is now, but he deserves all the credit. He's a hell of a guy, a hell of a team. “
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