Boston Celtics/ 2024 NBA champions/ Joe Biden/ White House ceremony/ Celtics 18th championship/ Joe Mazzulla/ Jayson Tatum/ Derrick White/ WASHINGTON/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Joe Biden hosted the Boston Celtics at the White House to celebrate their 2024 NBA championship, marking their record 18th title. Biden, whose Secret Service code name is “Celtic,” praised the team’s achievements and highlighted their cultural significance. The event featured gift exchanges, historical nods, and advocacy discussions on social issues.
Boston Celtics Honored at White House: Quick Looks
- Historic Achievement: The Celtics’ 18th NBA championship is the most in league history.
- Biden’s Connection: The president shared his Irish pride and noted his “Celtic” Secret Service code name.
- Championship Season: The team won 64 regular-season games and went 16-3 in the playoffs.
- Advocacy Efforts: Celtics leadership met with officials to discuss juvenile justice and maternal health issues.
- Memorable Moments: Biden received a No. 46 jersey and showcased his passing skills during the ceremony.
Biden Welcomes Boston Celtics for White House Championship Ceremony
Deep Look: Celtics Celebrate 2024 Championship at White House with President Biden
President Joe Biden welcomed the Boston Celtics to the White House on Thursday, celebrating their historic 18th NBA championship. The event, held on the South Lawn, honored the franchise’s achievements and its role in American sports culture.
A Historic Celebration
The Celtics, the NBA’s most decorated team, marked their latest championship win with a visit to Washington, continuing a tradition that dates back to their 1963 meeting with President John F. Kennedy.
The president highlighted his own connection to the team, sharing that his Secret Service code name is “Celtic.” “From this old Irish Celtic to all you Celtics, congratulations,” Biden added.
Championship Season Highlights
Biden noted the Celtics’ dominant 2024 season, during which they secured 64 wins—their best since 2008—and achieved the highest points-per-possession ratio in NBA history. The team capped off their season with a decisive five-game victory over the Dallas Mavericks in the Finals.
Coach Joe Mazzulla, who became the youngest head coach to win a title since Bill Russell, was praised by Biden for his leadership. “Joe’s the youngest head coach to win a title. I told him I used to be the youngest at something, but now I’m the oldest,” Biden joked.
Memorable Moments
The ceremony included several lighthearted moments, including Biden tossing a commemorative basketball to Senator Ed Markey and Celtics center Al Horford. Guard Derrick White quipped about the president’s “pump fake” skills, adding, “It’s harder to make a pass in a suit, so I was impressed.”
Biden also received a No. 46 jersey from All-Star Jayson Tatum and Derrick White, along with a championship ring that his grandson, Beau Jr., reportedly tried on.
Advocacy and Legacy
Beyond the festivities, members of the Celtics organization met with White House officials to discuss advocacy initiatives. These included “Raise the Age,” a campaign to treat 18- to 20-year-olds as juveniles in the criminal justice system, and “Curbside Care,” which aims to provide maternal health support in underserved communities.
A Return to Tradition
Mike Zarren, the Celtics’ vice president and a well-known stats enthusiast, shared a personal story about a Secret Service agent who had waited years for this moment. “Two years ago, he told the Warriors it was bittersweet because he wished his Celtics were here. They told him, ‘Don’t worry, they’ll be here soon.’ Today, he got to see it happen,” Zarren said.
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