The Denver Nuggets are the defending NBA champions. Usually, when a sports team wins a title in the United States, it receives an invitation to the White House. However, this year Coach Malone’s Denver Nuggets will not travel to Washington for a visit to the White House.
According to TNT’s Chris Haynes, Denver will skip the White House visit because of the priority of clinching the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Nuggets still have crucial matchups against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who themselves are in contention for the top spot along with the Oklahoma City Thunder.
However, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone denied this claim about the White House, via Harrison Wind of DNVR Sports.
“Contrary to recent reports, our goal is not to be the No. 1 seed. That’s not why we canceled the game. That’s not why we canceled the trip to the White House.”, Malone said. “I don’t know where these things come from. If we get the No. 1 seed, fine.”.
Sources: With Denver Nuggets prioritizing No. 1 seed and a pivotal matchup at Minnesota upcoming, I explain on @NBAonTNT why the champs have elected not to visit The White House. pic.twitter.com/cjc4fwGE0O
– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) March 8, 2024
Undoubtedly, the Nuggets would have enjoyed a visit to the White House. But logistically it is not possible. The trip was scheduled for March 18. The 18th would have been a day off between two away games for the Nuggets.
Read also: San Diego Clippers return after 40 years — but not in NBA
