Obama: Spurs ‘old’ team for an ‘old guy’

President Obama hosted the 2014 NBA champion San Antonio Spurs at the White House on Monday, joking that it makes him feel good to see a team with older players winning. 

{mosads}Obama noted that the veteran team is known for its pass-heavy style of play and teamwork, which he compared to his own presidency as it enters its final years.

“Lets face it, just a little while back, people were saying that the Spurs were past their prime, not just old but kind of boring,” he said. “Now they’re fresh and exciting, which is basically the exact opposite of what happens to presidents.”

“For an old guy, it makes me feel good to see you know, where’s Tim?” Obama said, pointing out legendary power-forward Tim Duncan, who is now 38, an advanced age for an NBA player. 

“It makes me feel good to see that folks in advancing years can succeed in a young man’s sport,” Obama joked.

The president also praised the Spurs’ hiring of Becky Hammon as the first full-time female assistant coach in NBA history, in August. 

“As somebody who’s got two daughters, one of who is a baller, it makes me feel good when excellence is recognized regardless of gender,” he said.

The Spurs are known for their international stars, including Frenchman Tony Parker and Argentine Manu Ginóbili.

“It’s the U.N. of basketball teams,” Obama said. “And it shows the way that this wonderful sport has become an international sport.”

Before being presented with a “POTUS” Spurs Jersey and taking a picture, the president finished his remarks with a more celebratory nod to his tenure in office.

“If you guys need any tips on winning back to back, you know where to find me,” he said.