Inside the Celtics’ ’emotional and uplifting’ visit to the White House

Celtics

From presidential selfies to history lessons with the Secret Service and “unbelievable” apple cider, the Celtics seemed to have a blast in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — There was a moment during the Celtics’ White House tour when Derrick White was eyeing President Joe Biden’s chair inside the Oval Office, team co-owner Steve Pagliuca said.

Pagliuca thought White might try to sit in it, but the Celtics guard ended up just standing behind it.

The visit to the White House, which commemorated the Celtics’ record 18th NBA championship, was even more exciting than White imagined it would be.

“I didn’t really know what to expect,” White said. “I was kind of looking forward to it and then when we walked in, I was a little bit more excited than I thought I was going to be.

“I think it was just a lot of excitement just to be in the White House with all the decisions and stuff that goes on in there,” White added. “We were able to go into the Oval Office, which was pretty cool. Being where all the decisions and the big things happen, that was the coolest part.” 

The Celtics met at their team hotel and took three busses over to the White House. The team had a rehearsal for the ceremony during which they practiced where everybody involved would stand. After that, there was a reception that Biden attended.

“The President walked in and was very warm and engaging,” Celtics governor Wyc Grousbeck said. “Chatted with him at some length and really felt like we got to know him. And then he joined a few of our small groups, said hello, and he actually took a selfie with me and Amelia and Joe Mazzulla. We have a selfie with Joe Biden that he took, so just an amazing, warm encounter with a great man, great person.”

Biden had one of his grandchildren with him, according to Pagliuca, and he placed a Celtics championship ring on the child’s finger.

Meeting Biden and learning about White House history were highlights for White.

“One of the Secret Service was giving JB a history lesson,” White said. “And I kind of walked over there and kind of listened to the stories and all the different pictures and why they’re up there.

“Just hearing different stories like that was really cool. The apple cider was unbelievable. When President Biden came it was really cool to see him. I had never seen a president in person so that was pretty cool.”

Biden came well prepared for the appearance, Pagliuca said. The president mentioned some of the Celtics’ stats.

“I saw (vice president of basketball operations) Mike Zarren, our stat guy, stood up and started cheering when Biden was talking about points per possession,” Pagliuca said. “Mike thought that would never happen in his career.” 

There were quite a few more people in attendance on Thursday than the last time the Celtics visited the White House in 2008, Pagliuca said.

“Well, it was a very emotional day,” Pagliuca said. “I think this is one of the largest groups that has ever come to the White House to celebrate a championship, even far larger than 2008. So, every senator, congressperson, person of government with Massachusetts, the president, and our players it was just a very emotional and uplifting day.”

For years, this Celtics group had finished just short of winning a title. They’ve made six of the last seven Eastern Conference finals. They lost to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals.

But this time, the Celtics came out on top, and on this day they were honored as champions.

“It’s funny. I was talking to a Secret Service agent from Massachusetts inside and he was apparently here for the Warriors two years ago,” Zarren said. “He told them it was a bittersweet moment because he wished the Celtics were here, and they said to him don’t worry they’ll be there soon. So, for him, it was a good moment to see us show up inside there.”