USA Basketball has officially announced that Derrick White, a key player for the Boston Celtics, has been named to the 2024 USA Basketball Men’s National Team. This prestigious team will compete in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, scheduled for July 26-August 11. The selection was made by USA Basketball Men's National Team managing director, Grant Hill.
Derrick White's Selection and Background
Derrick White's selection comes after a stellar season with the Boston Celtics, where he played a crucial role in securing the team's record 18th NBA Championship. In the 2023-24 season, White averaged 15.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 4.2 rebounds per game. His exceptional defensive skills earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive Second Team for the second year in a row.
Kawhi Leonard's Absence
While Kawhi Leonard was previously confirmed for the 2024 USA Men’s National Team, it has been decided by USA Basketball and the L.A. Clippers that Leonard will not participate in the Olympic Games. This decision allows Leonard to focus on preparing for the upcoming NBA season.
Grant Hill's Statement
“I am happy to announce that Derrick will compete at his first Olympic Games on the heels of a championship season in Boston,” stated Grant Hill. “We look forward to him joining the team in the coming days as we continue preparations for Paris. I also want to thank Kawhi for his commitment to the USA Men’s National Team. He earned the opportunity to represent the United States, but USA Basketball and Clippers leadership felt it’s important to allow Kawhi to prepare for the NBA season.”
2024 USA Men’s National Team Roster
The 2024 USA Men’s National Team includes a star-studded lineup:
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)
Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics)
Team's Achievements and Coaching Staff
The USA Men’s National Team boasts a combined 11 Olympic appearances, 10 Olympic gold medals, and three FIBA World Cup titles. The team includes 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 assistants Mark Few (Gonzaga University), Tyronn Lue (LA Clippers), and Erik Spoelstra (Miami Heat).
Upcoming Schedule
The 2024 Olympic Games will see the U.S. men begin group play in Lille, France, against Serbia on July 28. They will face South Sudan on July 31 and Puerto Rico on August 3. Preparations include the USA Basketball Showcase, starting with an exhibition game against Canada on July 10 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Stay tuned for more updates on Team USA’s journey to the Olympic Games Paris 2024.
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