"Disrespectful to Kyrie": NBA fans sound off as Team USA picks Derrick White over star players after Kawhi Leonard exit

After the announcement of Kawhi Leonard's exit from Team USA, Andscape's Marc J. Spears reported that Celtics guard Derrick White would be the replacement. There's no denying the value White brings to the team as one of the premier 3-and-D players in the league. However, several NBA fans were not too pleased with the decision.

Clippers star Kawhi Leonard was available in the first three days of training camp as he provided an incredible two-way piece for the team to utilize. However, his injuries forced him to leave the Olympic roster so as to be ready for the next NBA season.

Following the latest development, several NBA fans shared their reactions in the comments section.

"Disrespectful to Kyrie and the 10 other players who are more deserving," one fan posted.

X user BucksShowYo (@BucksShowYo) isn't fond of the idea that a player like Derrick White received a spot on the USA Olympic Men's Basketball Team.

"We are just giving role players Olympic spots now the game is ruined," the fan posted.

X user Jeremy Kamali (@jeremykawali) questioned the decision made by USA Basketball as he doesn't see the Celtics guard as a top-15 player in the league.

"Why though? He is not a top 15 player in the league. Good role player but a lot better candidates for this spot," the fan posted.

X user GIFT (@GIFTaveli) wondered who was part of the USA Basketball committee and didn't find a proper reason for White to be deemed the right replacement.

"Who is on this committee? No offense to this guy but why him? To replace Kawhi? That makes zero sense," the fan posted.

X user Evan Brown (@TheREAL_DTEB) highlighted that the Heat's Jimmy Butler and Celtics MVP Jaylen Brown should have been considered first over Derrick White.

"If they wanted a two way fine, I get it no Kyrie but Jimmy Butler and Jaylen Brown should have been on speed dial," the fan posted.

Be that as it may, the NBA champion provides a stable defensive presence that Team USA can rely upon.

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Amid Derrick White's Team USA inclusion, Bucks guard invites Kyrie Irving to his podcast

Following the announcement of Derrick White's addition to Team USA, Bucks guard Patrick Beverley posted an invitation to Kyrie Irving for a guest appearance on his "The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone."

"Give the people what they want Kyrie @PatBevPod," Beverley posted.

The last time Kyrie Irving played in the Olympics was in 2016, which took place in Rio de Janeiro. He was a crucial piece that helped the team secure the gold medal. He was also famously known for winning the 2014 FIBA World Cup MVP for his spectacular production on the court.

However, Irving has yet to comment on the matter as of now.