The San Antonio Spurs are currently slogging through a regular season that's been tougher than years past. The players got a brief respite from the grind and a reminder of their success when the team visited the White House on Monday as defending NBA champions.
For the likes of Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and head coach Gregg Popovich, this was not be the first time they have visited the White House. For most of the team, however, it was a new experience.
Perhaps the best part of the Spurs' trip to the White House was their abundance of international players, making a meeting with the President an extra special moment. It also gave us entertaining stories, such as French-born Boris Diaw admitting he learned about the White House in the movie "Independence Day," via the Express News.
Underrated part of my Spurs story today: Boris Diaw saying he first learned of the White House from the movie "Independence Day."
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) January 12, 2015
Then, you have former North Carolina standout Danny Green, who previously met President Obama when he was with the Tar Heels.
Green was injured when the president actually played with some UNC players, so he didn't get the first-hand experience with Obama on the court, but he did mention there were some similarities between the president and some current NBA players - the Dragic brothers.
“He’s a lefty that drives,” Green said. “He strides. He’s a stride guy.”
It is no secret that Obama is a Chicago Bulls fan at heart, but the President still finds the Spurs to be an admirable organization.
“There’s something to be said for team chemistry,” Obama said. “You look at San Antonio and how they’ve performed, part of that is just Popovich, Duncan, Parker, Ginobili — they know each other and the system, and they trust it. The people are selfless, and it takes time to develop that kind of chemistry.”
Obama called Spurs "a great metaphor for what America should be all about."
— Jeff McDonald (@JMcDonald_SAEN) January 12, 2015
Obama even offered the Spurs some advice on something they've never been able to accomplish.
Obama to #spurs: "If you guys need any tips on winning back to back, you know where to find me."
— Michael Lee (@MrMichaelLee) January 12, 2015
- Josh Sanchez
