Having hosted them last year as well, Barack Obama feels pretty comfortable around the NBA champion Miami Heat, who visited the White House today to celebrate their second consecutive title. “I have to say, I’ve never seen folks more excited than the Heat when they came last year,” said the president. “I mean, LeBron was so pumped up, I thought he was going to give me a hug and knock me over, like the guy on SportsCenter who hit the half-court shot.” He’s got a million of these, folks!
“They’ve now won twice, but they’ve gone to the Finals three times. Sometimes it feels like they’re still fighting for a little respect. I can relate to that,” added Obama.
And yes, Mario Chalmers, the president knows who you are and what you stand for. “With that, I think we should take a picture,” he said, wrapping up this afternoon’s ceremony. “But we should make it quick before one of these guys starts yelling at Mario. Sometimes it’s just a bad pass, guys — it’s not Mario’s fault. I’ve got your back, man.” James and Wade, of course, loved it:
