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[Saba Sports News] A reigning NBA champion is set to replace Kawhi Leonard on the Team USA Olympic roster.
Kawhi Leonard, who has dealt with knee injuries for years, withdrew from Team USA on Wednesday to focus on the upcoming NBA season. According to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, Boston Celtics guard Derrick White will take Leonard’s place.
White became a full-time starter for the Celtics this season after the team traded Marcus Smart and had a breakout season. He averaged 15.2 points per game during the regular season and performed even better during Boston’s championship run, with 16.7 points and 4.1 assists per game in the playoffs, shooting 40.4% from three-point range.
The Celtics demonstrated their high regard for White by signing the 30-year-old to a substantial contract extension this offseason.
Besides his clutch shot-making ability, White is also a top-notch defender, having been named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team the past two seasons.
Two of White’s teammates, Celtics stars Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday, are also part of Team USA’s 12-man roster.