Is Derrick White the Best Fit for Kawhi Leonard’s Replacement? 5 NBA Stars That Team USA Overlooked in Rumored Selection

From the moment the Team USA roster for the Paris Olympics was announced, there was some discourse and confusion. It was mainly due to the selection of Clippere All-Star Kawhi Leonard. This isn’t a knock on his abilities. On merit alone, the Klaw’s place would be undisputable. However, since he was injured and missed the last few postseason games for the Clippers, there wasn’t clarity over his participation. Now a month away from the tournament, there are murmurs of Leonard not recovering from the inflammation in his right knee. Adrian Wojnarowski has already announced the favorite candidate to replace him.

“I am told that Derrick White looms as a real potential candidate for Team USA in the summer Olympics if Kawhi Leonard is unable to successfully rehab back from that knee inflammation that kept him out at the backend of the playoff. You’ve seen White’s two-way prowess on display throughout the season and into the postseason”, he told Malika Andrews.

White has been a key component in the Boston rotation over the last two seasons. He had a coming-of-the-age season making his second straight All-Defensive Team. White would also have the added leverage of sharing the backcourt with Jrue Holiday, a tandem that currently has the Celtics sitting one game away from a title. White’s instincts and unyielding mentality make him an attractive choice let alone his 15.2 points (career-high) and 40% perimeter shooting.

His numbers have improved further during these playoffs. Nonetheless, does the Celtics guard still deserve the spot? Here are 5 players who are being overlooked to make a place for the former Spur.

1. Draymond Green

Five players from the 2020 gold-winning team are returning to defend the title. Draymond Green isn’t one of them. The seasoned Warriors forward had a transformational season. During the early parts of the year, Green got into ugly spats with players and was even suspended indefinitely. Since the time he returned though, the four-time champ managed to abandon his disturbances and retain his remarkable basketball acumen.

The stats are friends for a player like Green, who operates as a connector on both sides of the floor. His plays off the ball and leadership skills have raised his appeal throughout a 12-year professional career. Green was the leading rebounder for the Warriors 7.2 per game and second in assists behind Chris Paul. He amassed a sublime net differential of +171, the third-best on the team having played just 55 games this season.

2. Kyrie Irving

Staying along the path of international experience, Kyrie Irving is surprisingly a name that didn’t appear on the 12-man final roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics. After the catastrophe last season, KAI looked like a far better fit than Luka Doncic this season. As the second fiddle, Irving’s 25.6 points and 5.2 assists per game were pivotal in the Mavericks making a first final since 2011.

The eight-time All-Star’s handles are worshipped by aspiring basketball players. He spins a web with his hands and his degree of shot-making is present in only a handful of NBA players. As a part of Team USA in the 2016 gold medal conquest, Irving adapted flawlessly to the physical and tenacious style of basketball. He was the third leading scorer on the team averaging 11.4 points per game during the competition.

3. Trae Young

Stephen Curry is seen as a hack within the game. He can shoot from virtually anywhere on the court while also being sound as an inside scorer. While his prowess isn’t there yet, Trae Young shares the qualities of Curry. He could fit perfectly as the backup guard or the preferred man to want on the floor in case Team USA needs strengthened distance scoring.

As a full-time starter and cornerstone of the Atlanta Hawks, Young averaged 10.8 assists per game. It would have been the best mark in the NBA, but a finger injury sidelined him for 23 games toward the end of the season. His desire to score remained vivacious, pouring in 25.7 points per game. However, the lingering discomfort in his finger did impact his performance since returning.

Another alternative to pursue could be Knicks’ superhero Jalen Brunson. The dashing and composed point guard was one of the best performers in the postseason. His iron will carried the Knicks until he suffered a broken hand in Game 7 against the Pacers. There are still doubts whether he could recover in time after undergoing surgery last month.

4. Scottie Barnes

If there was a player with attributes matching that of Kawhi Leonard, it is probably Scottie Barnes. He had a breakout season in a spell the Raptors lost two of their most experienced campaigners (Pascal Siakam and Fred VanVleet). Barnes emerged as an All-Star averaging 19.9 points and assuming the helm of Toronto.

Standing at 6’7″, Barnes displays sharpness as a defender. He can stay up on his mark and is a nightmare to escape when poking at the ball. As an offensive player, the 21-year-old can slash into the paint, drop a few floaters, and even stretch his game out to the three-point line. He refined his game during the previous summer. His body of work transitioned seamlessly into the NBA.

Barnes too suffered a broken middle finger during the closing stages of the regular season. Before his exit, the Raptors looked to be playoff-bound. In the 22 games he missed since the injury, the reality of the 2019 champion was exposed. They could only manage three wins, two against bottom-tier oppositions and one against an Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee side.

5. Jaylen Brown

It would be rude not to mention the leading candidate to win the Finals MVP. Brown has evolved his game significantly during the regular season. He adjusted to Mazzulla’s system brilliantly and flourished even with the addition of two tremendous scorers in the offseason. Additionally, his defensive impact has grown largely with each season.

Brown has dedicated himself to winning a title and he seems to be a man on a mission. During the Celtics’ postseason run, he has averaged 24.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists playing all 18 games. Having honed his skills and becoming an even major threat, Brown deserves to be in the conversation.

These are the five stars that could be better for Team USA over Derrick White. Each one of them is qualified and skilled to cut. But with only one roster spot being available, it’s a ruthless race. Who do you think will get in if Kawhi Leonard doesn’t recover in time? Let us know your views in the comments below.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.