By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
The Golden State Warriors stopped by the White House and U.S. President Joe Biden Tuesday (17/1) in the traditional annual visit of the NBA championship team to Washington.
“Congratulations to the team, the staff and most especially, the incredible players standing behind me,” Biden said. “Today, the Golden State Warriors are known as one of the most successful franchises in basketball and all sports. Four NBA titles, six finals in the last eight seasons… that ain’t bad man. The statline of a dynasty.”
Biden then addressed the Warriors’ past troubles amid injury issues, adding an obvious parallel with those who doubted himself during his run for the presidency.
“The last couple of years were pretty tough,” Biden mentioned. “They struggled in 2020, missed the playoffs in ’21, and critics wondered if this team was gone for good as a championship team. But, fellas, I know what it feels like.”
When Biden talked about Steve Kerr he made a special mention of the nine, so far, championships that the Golden State boss has collected as both a player and coach.
“He’s run of fingers. Y’all seen the size of those rings?” Biden joked.
This was the Warriors’ second visit to the White House after February 2016 to receive the honors for the 2015 championship title by then-U.S. President Barrack Obama. “It means a lot to bring that trophy here. It means a lot. We were here seven years ago for our first championship. So to have another opportunity to be here… it means the world.”
The Warriors’ 2018 visit was skipped due to Donald Trump, then in the Oval Office, withdrawing his invitation after Curry expressed his refusal to go.
“Let me say that the Golden State Warriors are always welcome in this White House,” Biden said.
Oakland-born Vice President Kamala Harris was particularly happy to welcome the Warriors. “As a very proud daughter of Oakland, California, it gives me immense personal pride as the vice president of the United States to say, Dub Nation is in the house,” Harris said.