“ They came like this, I don't know where they came from “, starts by joking Joe Bidenbefore turning to the men behind him to be sure: “ You're the Celtics, right? » A new touch of humor or the beginning of a memory lapse, this is how the outgoing American president welcomed the reigning champions to the White House.
In a tradition that reportedly began when Bill Russell's 1963 Celtics met with President John F. Kennedy, Joe Biden gave them a tour of the Oval Office. In total, the league's most decorated franchise (18) has won at least one title in… eight of the last thirteen presidential administrations.
The 2024 NBA Champion Boston Celtics aren't just any champions, but the winningest franchise in league history – now with a record 18 titles!
It was my pleasure to welcome their team to the People's House today. pic.twitter.com/ZE0klSlPe6
— President Biden (@POTUS) November 22, 2024
“ The Celtics are not just a basketball team. They are a way of life “, blurted the president, quoting one of the Celtics legends Red Auerbach, before receiving a No. 46 jersey – his historic rank among those who have exercised the supreme American office – from the hands of Jayson Tatum and Derrick White.
During his speech, Joe Biden made a revelation: the code name of his secret services was “Celtic” (Barack Obama had for example chose the nickname “Renegade”). “ It's true. Because I'm Irish. Everyone behind me is Irish at heart. I feel particular pride in this trophy », says the president of Irish ancestry.
Stop thinking about the past
“ Together, you have built one of the densest teams in history “, continues the Democrat quoting “ Jayson (Tatum), Jaylen (Brown), Derrick (White) and Jrue (Holiday), the big Al (Horford). » Without mentioning Kristaps Porzingis. Then, he talks about the 64 victories acquired in the regular season, before detailing the team's playoff journey with the successive eliminations.
“ It’s a very exciting and emotional day. We didn't focus on that. We got past the banner and opening night, then we got down to business. Joe (Mazzulla) doesn't want us to dwell too much on the past, he wants everyone to focus on the future. That said, everyone here, including Joe, seems to have had a great time », notes the owner, Wyc Grousbeck.
We recall that this was perhaps the last visit of NBA champions for a while since the Warriors and the Raptors had refused to make it, after their respective titles, during the first term of Donald Trump. And as the latter, who returns to his functions at the end of January, does not appreciate NBA players (and vice versa), the hiatus could logically resume.
