The Denver Nuggets’ decision to skip the customary White House visit for reigning NBA champions has raised eyebrows, with TNT NBA insider Chris Haynes shedding light on the team’s rationale.
Contrary to making a political statement against the Biden Administration, Denver’s primary focus is securing the top seed for the Western Conference Playoffs. With the Nuggets trailing the first-place Oklahoma City Thunder by just one game, they are prioritizing their quest for the No. 1 seed heading into the postseason.
Originally scheduled to visit the White House in January, the Nuggets’ visit was postponed to March 18 due to a scheduling conflict with the administration. However, the team ultimately decided to forego the visit altogether this week. Their decision has elicited skepticism, with TNT’s Charles Barkley jokingly questioning whether they were “flying Southwest.”
The tradition of championship-winning sports teams visiting the White House has faced criticism in recent years. Athletes have cited various reasons for declining the invitation, ranging from personal beliefs to political disagreements. Notable instances include Detroit Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace expressing indifference toward then-President George W. Bush in 2005, and Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas opting out of the visit in 2012 due to his disdain for then-President Barack Obama.
The tension between athletes and the White House reached a peak during the Trump Administration, particularly when Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry publicly stated his reluctance to attend in 2017. This led to President Trump rescinding the team’s invitation, sparking a contentious exchange between the two parties. LeBron James came to Curry’s defense on Twitter, criticizing Trump’s response and asserting that “no one wants an invite anyway.”
While customary White House visits have resumed under the Biden Administration, the Denver Nuggets’ decision to decline the invitation breaks from tradition and underscores their commitment to their on-court goals.