On Thursday afternoon, the Boston Celtics made their long-awaited trip to the White House, marking a celebratory end to their 2024 NBA championship run. It’s tradition for championship-winning teams to visit the President, and the Celtics seized this final opportunity to bask in their victory and reflect on their successful season.
The day began with the players enjoying a special tour around the Oval Office, where they not only soaked up the history but also welcomed back former teammate Oshae Brissett. Brissett, who played an integral role during last year’s championship, was officially presented with his championship ring during the visit—a poignant moment noted by Celtics assistant general manager Mike Zarren, emphasizing Brissett’s contributions to the team.
“That was really cool to see Brissy, and have him be a part of it,” remarked Derrick White, reflecting on the importance of team unity. Brissett’s presence was surely felt as many of the players cherished rekindling those memories from the past season.
Steve Pagliuca, co-owner of the Celtics, shared lighter moments from the day's festivities, joking about Derrick White’s eagerness to sit at the President's desk. “He was eyeing President Biden’s chair, and I thought he was going to sit in it,” Pagliuca said. “But he just stood behind it. We had a White in the White House.” Jaylen Brown, on the other hand, was reportedly captivated by the rich history within the Oval Office, taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from Secret Service members about the decor and its stories.
At the ceremony outside, held at the iconic Rose Garden, attendees included family members of the players, Massachusetts lawmakers, and members of the media. President Joe Biden congratulated the Celtics, unmistakably showcasing his affinity for the team by sharing, “All of you may not know this, but my Secret Service name is Celtic, for real.” His remarks stirred up laughter and connection, reminding everyone of the cultural significance the Celtics hold within the league and beyond.
Biden went on to touch on the Celtics’ resounding success, recalling their remarkable playoff run where they defeated the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, and dominated the Dallas Mavericks. Notably, he highlighted their historic record for points per possession and lauded coach Joe Mazzulla for being the youngest coach since Bill Russell to secure the championship. “I told him I used to be the youngest, now I’m the oldest,” Biden quipped, creating another moment of laughter among the guests.
During this special day, Jayson Tatum took the opportunity to present Biden with his own customized Celtics jersey, showing the camaraderie and respect shared between the players and the President. Tatum’s thoughtful gesture did not go unnoticed, as it added another heartwarming layer to the day’s festivities.
But the day wasn’t just about the celebrations. After the ceremonies, members of the Celtics organization including general manager Brad Stevens, co-owner Steve Pagliuca, and vice president Allison Feaster met with White House staff to discuss pressing issues tied to the Celtics Shamrock Foundation.
One key initiative discussed was the Raise the Age campaign, which advocates for keeping young adults aged 18 to 20 within the juvenile justice system as opposed to the adult one. Jaylen Brown, who has been at the forefront advocating for such legislative changes, highlighted the importance of bringing similar initiatives to national attention. “We want to see changes not just locally, but on the federal level,” he shared.
Another impactful initiative presented was the Curbside Care Program, where the Boston Celtics partner with Boston Medical Center to provide mobile care for mothers and infants. This program ensures new families receive adequate health support right outside their homes, aligning with the Celtics’ mission to promote health equity.
These discussions showed the Celtics are committed not just to basketball but to making tangible differences within their community and beyond. Derrick White expressed his enthusiasm about meeting with representatives from the Curbside Care Program and mentioned the importance of seeing these initiatives receive proper recognition.
After the day wrapped up, the feeling was one of fulfillment. Celtics co-owner Wyc Grousbeck reflected on the experience as deeply meaningful, praising Biden’s remarks and overall engagement with the team. “We really got to know him and spend time,” Grousbeck explained. “The whole thing, it was a very special day.”
The visit to the White House served as more than just a celebratory outing; it embodied the fabric of the NBA—the blending of sport with socio-political engagement, camaraderie, and community. With their championship banner still hanging and their future on the horizon, the Celtics left the White House carrying with them not just memories, but also aspirations to continue contributing positively to society.
