The Nuggets won the NBA championship last season, but they will not be taking the customary victory lap in the form of a trip to see President Joe Biden at the White House.
On Thursday night on TNT NBA insider Chris Haynes revealed why.
“The Denver Nuggets are prioritizing that No. 1 seed,” Haynes said.
“They’re really trying to do all that they can to get into that spot heading into the playoffs.”
Haynes noted that the Nuggets were originally scheduled to visit the White House in late January, but due to a “scheduling conflict” the Biden administration moved the date to March 18.
The Nuggets, however, reportedly became “concerned” that they were slated to play the Timberwolves, who are the current top seed, on the road the following night.
Haynes emphasized that it was a “basketball decision” rather than the team bowing out for political reasons.
It makes sense that the Nuggets would be especially motivated to gun for the top seed, as they have historically enjoyed great home court advantage in part due to being more acclimated to the mile-high Denver air.
Nevertheless, Charles Barkley mocked the Nuggets for using this reasoning to duck the visit.
“Are they flying Southwest or something?” Barkley asked sarcastically on TNT, as covered by Awful Announcing. “Come on, man. I actually have a problem with this whole thing that’s happened in sports the last few years, not just now. It’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House. It shouldn’t matter who’s in the White House. It’s an honor and a privilege to go to the White House. You should always go. But these guys act like they’re flying Southwest.”
At 43-20, the Nuggets are one game behind the Timberwolves and also a half-game back from the Thunder.