After the U.S. men’s basketball team claimed Olympic gold in Paris last year, a subtle yet memorable moment captured the imagination of fans. While the players celebrated their victory, a photograph taken of the team sitting on the stairs outside the gym, medals proudly displayed, quickly gained attention. Derrick White Iconic Team USA Photo became a symbol of their victory beyond the usual on-court highlights.
Derrick White, reflecting on the occasion, also witnessed Stephen Curry’s remarkable shooting display, reminiscent of his dominant performance in the 2022 NBA Finals against the Celtics. Though White initially endured tough moments, he admired Curry’s “God mode” level of play during the Olympics in Paris.
Derrick White’s Personal Olympic Experience and the Photo’s Significance
During the Games, Derrick White averaged 3.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, along with defensive contributions, marking a solid all-around effort. Unsure if he will represent Team USA again, White cherishes the gold medal, the staircase snapshot, and the commemorative t-shirt as lasting mementos of this achievement.
Speaking on his podcast, White Noise, Derrick White opened up about the story behind the iconic t-shirt he wore featuring the stair photo, offering fans a glimpse into that special moment.
How the Staircase Photo Tradition Began
These stairs were right outside the gym in Paris and everybody would leave at different times, so people would kind of just sit out there. Because the weather was nice out there,
Carter recalled. The team had a secluded spot blocked off from the public, making it an ideal place to unwind between events.
Everybody would sit out there, would be chilling out there and just wait for everybody to come out. I think probably … [Devin Booker] had the camera the whole time. He’s like, ‘Let’s take a flick.’ So we did. We won the game, and we got the picture, and then we got posted,
White explained, describing how Devin Booker initiated capturing this candid celebration.
The Photo’s Enduring Role in Team USA’s Celebrations
The stair photo quickly became a post-game ritual with the players.
And when we won, everybody just kind of got there, we were all waiting for Steph. We got out champagne next to us and we are all just sitting there on the steps again … so excited for this photo. It turned out be an iconic location for us.
This tradition was a relaxed alternative to waiting in the locker room for everyone to assemble.
White added,
They didn’t want us on the bus, and we sat on the steps, and it turned out to be a fire photo,
acknowledging the natural and spontaneous nature of the gathering. Given Curry’s decisive role in the victories, his occasional late arrivals were easily forgiven.
Why the Staircase Moment Mattered
The Derrick White Iconic Team USA Photo represents more than a snapshot; it captures the camaraderie and relaxed joy of a champion team away from the spotlight. This spontaneous tradition fostered unity and became a visual hallmark of the U.S. men’s basketball team’s 2024 Paris journey. As fans look forward, it remains to be seen if future squads will embrace the stairway celebration, but the image has already secured its place in Olympic lore.