The Boston Celtics winning their eighteenth NBA title last season was a culmination of their efforts to bring success back to the franchise. That generally means, they get to meet current President Joe Biden at the White House to celebrate their victory.
The previous year’s champions, the Denver Nuggets, rearranged their visit a couple of times. But as President Biden was busy with his re-election campaign at the time, the next date they could come up with, fell bang in the middle of the Nuggets efforts to secure the top spot in the West. Therefore, their trip to the White House never materialized.
The Boston Celtics did not take a chance and arranged a date at the earliest. Earlier today, that day arrived when the likes of Jayson Tatum, Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and their teammates flew to Washington DC to meet the President. Once they all lined up in the lawn, the President came up to the podium and said.
I don’t know any of these guys behind me, but they just showed up. I don’t know where the hell they came from. 2024 NBA Champions, the Bulls…. you’re the Celtics, right?
Joe Biden at the White House
That joke managed to crack up Tatum and his teammates as well as those gathered on the lawn. President Joe Biden tried to make it a shot at himself, considering he has been accused of losing memory throughout his presidential campaign.
THE 2024 NBA CHAMPIONS… The BULLS…YOU’RE THE CELTICS, RIGHT?”
Joe Biden got jokes 🤣
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) November 21, 2024
At the same time, he tried to keep the moment light and celebrate their win. This will be the last NBA Champion to meet President Biden as his term is coming to an end. But at least the Boston Celtics managed to resume the tradition after the Nuggets blew could not.
It is unknown if next NBA champions follow the tradition
With Joe Biden about to hand it over to Donald Trump in January, the United States of America will see another President take the helm. During Trump’s first tenure, NBA champions preferred to stay away from visiting the White House.
The differences of opinion with several lead players meant friction with Trump was high. But then, once Joe Biden came into power, teams were open to visit. However, it also raises the question if the next four NBA champions will continue the tradition.
Many leading players vouched for Kamala Harris and have spoken against Donald Trump’s policies in the past. Veterans such as Charles Barkley have advocated that teams maintain the respect a President deserves. However, it is the players who might be deciding whether their team goes or not.
