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The Warriors overcame the Boston Celtics 4-2 in the NBA Finals
last year, cementing their legacy as one of basketball's
all-time great dynasties, after also hoisting the trophy in
2015, 2017 and 2018.
But it was the first time that a sitting U.S. president had
received the team since Biden's fellow Democrat Barack Obama in
2016, after Republican former President Donald Trump revoked
their invitation in 2017 and declined to extend one a year
later.
Klay Thompson and other members of the team chuckled and looked
down sheepishly as Biden said, "Let me just say that the Golden
State Warriors are always welcome in this White House," adding
emphasis to "this."
"You struggled in 2020, missed the playoffs in '21 and critics
wondered if this team was gone for good as a championship team,"
said Biden, who twice before unsuccessfully ran for president.
"Fellas, I know what it feels like. I've been there."
Finals MVP Steph Curry told reporters that he thanked Biden for
bringing home Griner, after the Phoenix Mercury star was
released in a prisoner swap in exchange for arms dealer Viktor
Bout following months of detention in Russia, a move Republicans
criticized.
"(It was) a great opportunity for us, from the basketball
community, to thank President Biden and his staff for all their
hard work and diligence on getting Brittney Griner home," said
the eight-times All-Star.
"It means a lot to know she's here, at home, safe with her
family."
Kerr famously made an impassioned plea for stricter gun control
after the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, last year.
"Learned a lot about what this administration is doing to help
create a safer environment in our country," said Kerr.
"It's a great day on many fronts."
(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York and Trevor Hunnicutt in
Washington, D.C.; Editing by Bradley Perrett)
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