Derrick White is the perfect role player to complement Team USA's star power

Just as Spurs fans experienced from 2019 to 2022, Kawhi Leonard is gone and Derrick White will be stepping up in his absence. -- this time, for Team USA, which has added the perfect complementary role player to its star-studded roster with White's addition.

Shams Charania dropped Leonard's injury news and the White-likely-replacing-him narrative, in tandem, on July 10.

With ball-dominant LeBron James and Devin Booker taking up a lion's share of the touches, there needs to be guys able to knock down open threes -- Team USA always generates those with an unreal athleticism advantage over every other country -- and willing to dig in defensively.

White is just that. And he will likely join his championship backcourt mate, Jrue Holiday, on the Olympics squad's second unit. There are finally three Celtics on the team; rightfully more than any other NBA franchise.

A lot of good comes from bringing White to Team USA, but a lot of uncomfortable questions come from a few notable exclusions as well.

Jaylen Brown notable absent from Team USA discussions

Not since 2019 has Jaylen Brown been on Team USA. The underperforming 2023 roster wasn't even considered by Brown, and has name is curiously absent from the 2024 team despite an opening with Leonard's injury.

Realistically, as great of a fit as White is on the 2024 roster, the best fit isn't exactly needed when you have LeBron, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, and Joel Embiid in your starting five; with a combination of Jayson Tatum, Booker, Anthony Edwards, and Anthony Davis coming off the bench.

There's legitimate outcry for Brown and 2014 FIBA World Cup MVP Kyrie Irving not being included, but every fanbase could/will complain about their top player being snubbed. I'm thinking Knicks fans and Jalen Brunson here.

Team USA will be well-equipped with any NBA player in Leonard's spot. The replacement pick was going to be controversial no matter what.