NBA franchise was received by the current US president, celebrating the basketball league’s 18th title
President Joe Biden received the franchise at the White House on Thursday (21.Nov.2024). The event celebrated the team’s 18th championship. The presidential residence lit up green in honor of the team, continuing a tradition that began with Bill Russell’s Celtics meeting with President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
During the event, Biden expressed his admiration for the Celtics, referring to the team as “a way of life” and highlighting your personal connection to the team. Players Jayson Tatum and Derrick White presented the president with a number 46 jersey and a commemorative basketball.
The ceremony was attended by political figures such as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, as well as the majority of the state’s delegates to Congress.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla received praise from Biden for leading the team to the title in his second season, at age 35. The president made a comparison between Mazzulla’s trajectory and his own, from being the youngest senator to become the oldest president of the United States.
Biden recognized the Celtics’ good performance in the 2024 season, with 64 wins in the regular season and a notable performance in the playoffs. He highlighted the team’s offensive efficiency, citing the highest points-per-possession ratio in NBA history. Mike Zarren, team vice president and statistics expert, has received recognition for his role in the evolution of basketball statistics.
