Barack Obama honors National Basketball Association champion Warriors

Obama is well known as a basketball enthusiast, and the president marveled at how the Dubs are revolutionizing the game with what he described as a “small-ball nuclear lineup” that specializes in great shooting and passing. I just hope that when I meet them, I don’t stumble on my words, because I get too nervous.

Curry visited the White House nearly a year ago when the Warriors were in town, taking the opportunity to talk to Obama about malaria prevention.

Obama listed the Warriors impressive resume over the past two years, including a 67-win season last year, their first championship in 40 years and Golden State’s 24-0 start this season. “He was all jumping up and down”, Obama said.

Before the ceremony, team was invited to tour the White House and signed autographs for members of the White House’s Mentorship Program.

The president also praised the Warriors’ charity work, including working with the My Brother’s Keeper initiative to promote mentoring nationwide, the newly launched Oakland Promise effort to help kids make it through college, and Curry’s anti-malaria “Nothing But Nets” campaign where he donates mosquito nets every time he makes a three-point shot.

“For those of you who watched the game against the Wizards last night, he was – to use slang – he was ‘clowning, ‘” Obama added. Head coach Steve Kerr is at center.

Golden State is on pace to break the all-time single-season wins mark of 72 set by the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls, Obama’s favorite team. The Warriors were 39-4 under Walton, though those fabulous numbers go on the record of Kerr’s as a result of his being under contract. “Either way, he’s got the record”.

“Keep shooting, Steph”, Obama said. Kerr noted that Obama would be a free agent at the end of the year.

In turn, the team presented Obama with a basketball jersey that reads “44”, because he’s the 44th president.

‘I don’t play anymore but I still know a little bit about basketball and this really is one of the best that we’ve ever seen.