In a memorable celebration at the White House, President Joe Biden hosted the 2024 NBA champion Boston Celtics at the White House this week, marking a continuation of a storied tradition.

The event was filled with humor and history as Biden interacted with the players, surprisingly revealing his Secret Service code name, feigning forgetfulness about the team name, and even dribbling a basketball, as Fox News reports.

On a sunny Thursday, the Boston Celtics were welcomed at the White House to honor their 2024 NBA championship victory.

This visit not only recognized their success but also revived a presidential tradition of celebrating national sports champions.

The event took a light-hearted turn when President Biden playfully checked the team's identity, remarking, "You're the Celtics, right?" This humorous interaction set a jovial tone for the afternoon.

President Celebrates the Unifying Power of Sports

Biden went on to joke about the origin of the players, stating, "They just showed up. I don’t know where the hell they came from," which elicited laughter from the crowd and players alike.

His comments highlighted the informal and friendly atmosphere of the event.

The president then revealed a more personal connection, sharing that his Secret Service code name is "Celtic," which reflects his Irish heritage. This nod to his background resonated with the audience, adding a personal touch to the formalities.

Expressing his pride in the team, Biden congratulated the Celtics, emphasizing values like hard work, teamwork, and respect. He acknowledged these qualities as fundamental to their success and important for all to emulate.

Historical Context of White House Sports Visits

Biden reminded those in attendance that John F. Kennedy was the first president to host an NBA champion at the White House, starting with the Celtics in 1963. This historical note connected the current team to a long legacy of White House celebrations.

The Celtics were presented with a custom jersey for the President, which became a highlight of the visit.

Biden took the opportunity to engage physically with the sport by dribbling a basketball and making passes, demonstrating his engagement and appreciation for the game.

Differences in Presidential Sports Celebrations

The attendance of the 2023-24 Celtics roster, coaching staff, and ownership group contrasted with the previous year's champions, the Denver Nuggets, who did not visit due to scheduling conflicts.

The last NBA team to visit the White House during Biden's presidency before the Celtics was the 2021-2022 Golden State Warriors in January 2023. The absence of NBA teams during Donald Trump's presidency, except for the 2019 women's basketball team, the Baylor Bears, marked a significant shift in this tradition.

Interestingly, the only NFL teams invited during the Trump administration were the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles, with the latter’s visit being notably canceled. However, college football teams frequently visited during Trump's term, without any team declining the opportunity.

Biden's Commitment to Sports and Unity

Biden's quotes at the event underscored the importance he places on sports as a unifying force. "All of you may not know this, but my Secret Service name is ‘Celtic.’ For real, because I’m Irish," he shared, adding a personal anecdote to the celebration.

"Everybody behind me is Irish in their heart. I feel a special pride in this trophy for this old Irish Celtic. To all you Celtics, congratulations," Biden said, directly addressing the team and further solidifying the bond between the presidency and sports champions.

He concluded, "Part of that wonderful tradition, celebrating the power of sports to bring people together. It’s a tradition that I’ve had the honor to continue. No matter the sport. What these champions all have in common are core values. … Hard work, teamwork, respect and the knowledge that no one of us is ever as good as all of us can be when we’re together," encapsulating the spirit of the event and the broader implications for community and cooperation in America.