On Tuesday, a surprise visitor visited the training camp of the U.S. national basketball team. Vice President Kamala Harris visited the team's training camp, but she did not leave without leaving a clear message.
“Give back the gold,” Harris said as he addressed the team.
Harris, a California native, has previously expressed her support for the Golden State Warriors. The U.S. team is currently led by Warriors coach Steve Kerr, and Steph Curry is on this year's roster.
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Vice President Kamala Harris attends practice during the USAB Men's Training Camp on July 9, 2024 at UNLV in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Jim Poorten/NBAE via Getty Images)
Kerr said the vice president's visit helped remind everyone of the golden opportunity the team has to represent the United States.
“It's a great reminder that we're playing for our country,” Kerr said. “Vice President Harris told the guys how much she admired them, how much they really embody excellence and that we're going there to try to win a gold medal for our country. She said it's a demonstration of our patriotic feeling of being a part of something special for our country. And I think the guys really listened to every word.”
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Harris was seen chatting with two-time Olympic gold medalist LeBron James. He also posed for a group photo with the team.
Jrue Holiday #12 and Jayson Tatum #10 of the USA Basketball men's team smile during the USAB Men's Training Camp in Las Vegas on July 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
“Truly, you all represent the best of the best,” Harris told them. “And being part of Team USA means representing our nation. You are, as you are every day on and off the court, ambassadors of who we are as a country. You represent leaders in every walk of life. And the fact that you are going to Paris and bringing back that gold is another example of your excellence, your teamwork, your compassion and your commitment.”
LeBron James #6 and Tyrese Haliburton #9 of the USA Basketball men's team look on during the USAB Men's Training Camp in Las Vegas on July 9, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
Erik Spoelstra, a Team USA assistant and longtime head coach of the Miami Heat, said he didn't know Harris was going to stop by practice.
“It was a very special moment for the whole group,” Spoelstra said. “She just mentioned that we're representing our country and everyone's going to be watching and cheering us on, and it's a big responsibility. But she knows that we're all doing the work to represent everyone here and do it with class.”
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The U.S. men's team will play its first of five pre-Olympic exhibition games against Canada in Las Vegas on Wednesday. While that game will have no connection to the Olympics (the U.S.'s first game in France is against Serbia on July 28), Harris encouraged the team to press on and start winning now.
“Our nation is cheering you on and we are so proud of you,” Harris said. “Beat Canada and take back the gold.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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