Visiting the White House, the Bucks hailed for their title and their fight for social justice – BasketUSA

It had been almost five years to the day that an NBA champion had not set foot in the White House. The last time it was LeBron James’ Cavaliers, November 10, 2016 with Barack Obama.

Then, the Donald Trump years, who did not appreciate basketball players (and vice versa …) deprived the NBA champions of this moment. Joe Biden has therefore returned to the tradition by inviting the Bucks, sacred last summer. The only thing missing was Khris Middleton, placed in solitary confinement because he was positive for Covid-19.

The President of the United States took the opportunity not only to congratulate Milwaukee for his title, but also for the attitude of the group in the “bubble”, in the summer of 2020, when the players refused to play afterwards. the Jacob Blake affair, just weeks after the death of George Floyd.

“You have risen for justice and peace”, explains Joe Biden, referring to this episode. “What we have done never happens in the world of sport”, reacted Giannis Antetokounmpo, on the same subject. “I’m proud of my teammates, that they stayed in the locker room, that we talked about this. We fought for our convictions. “

The Greek, MVP of the 2021 Finals and whose incredible journey we know, was delighted to come to the White House.

“The simple fact of being there, of living this experience with my teammates, the coaching staff, the franchise, it’s crazy”, declares 2019 and 2020 MVP. “I never thought I would be here one day. The work paid off. We always appreciate moments like these. “