Plus-Minus +30! 5 Steals and 2 Blocks! Leaving Jaylen Brown Behind Was the Right Call!

The U.S. men's basketball team showcased its dominance in the Olympic group stage by defeating South Sudan 103-86. Unlike the closely contested warm-up games, the Americans gave South Sudan little chance to challenge them. The U.S. took control early, leading 26-14 by the end of the first quarter and holding a 19-point lead at halftime. The lead remained in double digits throughout the second half, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

Kevin Durant once again demonstrated his prowess as a FIBA powerhouse. He scored 14 points on 5-of-8 shooting, including 2-of-2 from three-point range and 8-of-9 from the free-throw line. Durant also contributed 2 rebounds and 3 assists, finishing with a team-high plus-minus of +26. Bam Adebayo was the team's top scorer with 18 points on 8-of-10 shooting, along with 7 rebounds and 2 blocks. His plus-minus was +22, second only to Durant. LeBron James added 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, while Anthony Edwards scored 13 points with 3 assists. Devin Booker contributed 10 points and 6 assists, and Anthony Davis chipped in 8 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The Underrated Contribution of Derrick White

One player whose impact cannot be overlooked is Derrick White. Coming off the bench for 17 minutes, White made all three of his three-point attempts and scored 10 points, adding 1 rebound and 1 assist. While his raw stats might not match those of the team's stars, White's defensive contributions were crucial. He recorded 3 steals and 1 block, finishing with a plus-minus of +18, the third highest on the team after Durant and Adebayo.

In the previous game against Serbia, the U.S. secured a convincing 110-84 victory. White played 16 minutes, scoring 2 points with 1 rebound and 1 assist, but he again made a significant defensive impact with 2 steals and 1 block, earning a plus-minus of +12. Over the two games, White accumulated a plus-minus of +30, ranking fourth on the team, behind Durant (+46), Edwards (+34), and Adebayo (+31).

A Tactical Masterstroke by Coach Kerr

Steve Kerr's management of the team has been intriguing, with different stars sitting out each game. In the first game, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton did not play, while in the second game, Joel Embiid sat out, and Haliburton played less than 8 minutes. Despite being the least heralded among the U.S. players, White has consistently earned playing time due to his specific skill set.

Offensively, White excels in off-ball movement and passing without needing high usage. He is a reliable catch-and-shoot three-point shooter, making 3 of his 4 three-point attempts over the two games. For comparison, Stephen Curry made 3 of 13, and LeBron James made 1 of 6 three-pointers. Defensively, White is a versatile stopper who can disrupt opponents on the perimeter and provide help defense inside. His defensive instincts were particularly evident against Serbia, where players consistently opted to pass when matched up against him. White effectively guarded three different Serbian players in a single possession, ultimately forcing a turnover.

Controversial Selection Validated

White's inclusion in the U.S. roster over Jaylen Brown, the Finals MVP, sparked significant debate. Critics questioned why White was chosen over his Celtics teammate, especially given Brown's superior offensive capabilities. However, White's performance has vindicated the decision. While Brown offers potent scoring, Devin Booker can fill a similar role, arguably even better. Conversely, every team benefits from players like White, who excel without needing the ball, provide accurate shooting, and offer staunch defense. White is more than just a 3-and-D player; he can also handle the ball and facilitate the offense when needed.

High Praise from Teammates and Coach

Following the win over South Sudan, Edwards praised White, saying, "Derrick White has surprised me. I mean, I watched him a lot during the playoffs (with the Boston Celtics), but I'm still amazed by his defensive instincts. He's fantastic—his positioning and defensive mindset are outstanding." Head coach Steve Kerr added, "He's a champion. Derrick is an exceptional basketball player, and he will continue to have a significant impact on our team." Teammate Jayson Tatum also commended White: "Derrick has been outstanding, doing everything he needs to do. He's the type of player you can plug into any system, and he knows exactly what to do."

This level of performance and recognition helps explain why the Celtics clinched the championship. Besides Tatum and Brown, they had White and Jrue Holiday, another versatile guard with strong defensive and playmaking abilities. The duo forms a formidable backcourt defense, posing a challenge for any opposing team. Notably, both players have recently signed contract extensions with the Celtics—White for 4 years at $126 million and Holiday for 4 years at $135 million, both considered bargains in today's market. With this core, the Celtics are poised to remain championship contenders for years to come.

The Importance of Role Players in a Dream Team

Returning to the Olympic stage, the lesson is clear: building a "Dream Team" isn't just about assembling the best stars. Role players like White and Holiday, who can seamlessly integrate and excel in specific functions, are equally vital. The initial debate over whether Jaylen Brown or Derrick White should have been selected now seems settled. White's performance and the strategic foresight in his selection have proven to be the right move for Team USA.