Boston Celtics guard Derrick White will replace Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers on the USA men’s basketball team according to ESPN’s Marc J Spears. This comes just a few weeks before the team heads to Paris for the 2024 Olympics.
Leonard stepped away from the team Wednesday morning, saying he wanted to focus on preparing for next year. Leonard dealt with a lingering knee injury with the Clippers during the 2023-24 season. In joining team USA, White will reunite with his Celtics teammates Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday. The All-Defensive guard has a history with the program, and was a finalist to make the Olympic team back in 2020. White was also a member of the USA World Cup squad that went 6-2 in 2019. This past season with the Celtics, his unique blend of defense and scoring was a key component for Boston’s title run. No doubt he will be providing similar services to a Team USA eager to win another gold medal.
At the time of this writing, it’s unclear when White will report. Team USA will play five showcase games prior to the Olympics proper in Las Vegas, London, and Abu Dhabi beginning on July 10.
Jayson Tatum chosen as cover athlete for NBA 2K25 https://t.co/zA6I0zRXOA pic.twitter.com/DOY85D1uE7
— The Celtics Wire (@TheCelticsWire) July 10, 2024
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