Derrick White to Shine in Paris: Joins 2024 USA Men's Basketball Team

Derrick White to Shine in Paris: Joins 2024 USA Men's Basketball Team

USA Basketball has announced that Derrick White, a guard for the Boston Celtics, will join the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team for the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. This will be White's first Olympic appearance, with the games scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024. White’s selection was made by Grant Hill, managing director of the USA Basketball Men’s National Team.

White has had an impressive season, contributing to the Celtics' 18th NBA Championship win in June. Averaging 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game in the 2023-24 season, White was also named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the second consecutive year. Hill expressed his enthusiasm for White’s addition, saying, "I am happy to announce that Derrick will compete at his first Olympic Games on the heels of a championship season in Boston. We look forward to him joining the team in the coming days as we continue preparations for Paris.

Meanwhile, Kawhi Leonard, who was named to the team in April, will not be participating in the Olympics. The decision was made jointly by USA Basketball and the L.A. Clippers, prioritizing Leonard’s preparation for the upcoming NBA season. Hill thanked Leonard for his dedication, acknowledging that it was in the best interest of both parties for Leonard to focus on the NBA.

Joining White on the 2024 USA Men’s National Team are notable NBA stars including Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns), Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors), Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers), Kevin Durant (Phoenix Suns), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota Timberwolves), Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers), Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers), Jrue Holiday (Boston Celtics), LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers), and Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics). This roster collectively boasts 11 Olympic appearances, 10 gold medals, three FIBA World Cup titles, 11 NBA All-Stars, four NBA MVPs, and seven NBA champions.

The team will be led by head coach Steve Kerr (Golden State Warriors), with assistant coaches Mark Few (Gonzaga University), Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers), and Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat). This coaching team previously led the USA Basketball Men’s National Team to a fourth-place finish at the 2023 FIBA Men’s World Cup in Manila.

The U.S. men will begin group play in Lille, France, against Serbia on July 28, followed by games against South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on August 3. To prepare for the Olympics, the team will participate in the USA Basketball Showcase, starting today, July 10, with an exhibition game against Canada at T-Mobile Arena.