Golden State Warriors return to White House as NBA champions after avoiding Trump

The Golden State Warriors returned to the White House as national champions on Tuesday, their first homecoming since President Barack Obama’s presidency, despite winning two championships while former President Donald Trump was in office. .

The Warriors defeated the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals for their fourth title in the past eight seasons.

“The Golden State Warriors are always welcome in this White House,” President Joe Biden said Tuesday while welcoming teams and teams. It references past conflicts with Trump.

Following their 2017 victory, the Warriors after Trump withdrew a customary White House invitation when he indicated he would vote against letting Stephen Curry, one of the team’s stars, go. did not make the trip to Washington.

In 2018, before the Warriors swept the Cleveland Cavaliers to become champions again, Trump said he wouldn’t invite either team.

The Warriors kicked off their visit to Washington this week by beating the Washington Wizards 127-118 on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, which Biden said Tuesday. The president also acknowledged the Warriors’ off-court advocacy efforts.

“Look at what this team does. Standing up against racism, standing up for equality. I mean speaking out loud against racism. Standing up for equality, “We’re getting people to vote, empowering children and their families to eat healthy, learn and play safely. We’re rallying our nation against gun violence,” he said.

Curry thanked the president for hosting his team and gifted Warriors jerseys to Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

“We are a team, we do it together, and it means a lot to be here to celebrate the championship with you,” Curry said.

Prior to the East Room ceremony, Curry and Warriors head coach Steve Kerr stopped by the White House briefing room.

Curry said of the “opportunity to bring everyone together to reflect on and celebrate the accomplishments of the past year.” He said that he wanted to recognize the method of “providing a bodily sensation.”

“That was our trip last year,” he said.

He also thanked the Biden administration for its efforts to free WNBA star Britney Griner, who was detained in Russia.

“[It] It means a lot to me that she’s here and aware that she’s come home safely for her family and all the work that’s been done behind the scenes to make that happen,” Curry said.

Kerr said he attended a roundtable on gun violence and gun safety with senior White House officials and Warriors players Klay Thompson and Moses Moody.

“We have learned a lot about what this administration is doing to create a safer environment in our country. It’s been great for me to learn so much, it’s been a great day in so many ways,” Carr said.

The East Room ceremony was attended by the players’ families, Bay Area music legends such as E-40, and members of the California State Legislative Delegation.

“Dub Nation is home!” the Bay Area native yelled as he again introduced the Warriors to the White House.

The players told reporters after the ceremony that Tuesday’s visit was “amazing”.

“I’ve been here a total of four times so far and each time it’s been amazing. Something to ground you a little bit more about the value of what drives you on a daily basis in a place like yours.” ” said Curry.

Draymond Green told ABC News that the trip was “an incredible honor”.

“A child growing up in Saginaw, Michigan, dreams only of seeing the White House, not to mention having the opportunity to attend and be celebrated with it. Absolutely unbelievable,” he said.

Greene said their peers may also have future White House residents.

“I thought Steph’s speech was great, and I think Steph could one day run for president of the United States. Who could be better? Smart, organized, and actually You don’t make mistakes, why?” Green said.

He was aiming at a different position, he joked.

“President Draymond? I don’t know if anyone in this country wants me president. Secretary of Defense,” he said with a laugh.