NBA Champion Cleveland Cavaliers Visit President Obama at the White House

On Thursday, the Cleveland Cavaliers visited the White House and President Barack Obama to celebrate the first championship in the organization's history. 

"We finally said it: 'World Champion' and 'Cleveland' in the same sentence," the president said in his speech, per the White House on Twitter.

He added, per White House Live: "This city has been through a lot...But through it all, Cleveland was always 'Believeland.'"

President Obama also said, "That’s what we’re talking about when we talk about hope and change," when describing the team's comeback from a 3-1 Finals deficit, per Cindy Boren and Marissa Payne of the Washington Post.

As has become his calling card when sports teams visit the White House, the president had a few jokes, taking aim at J.R. Smith in one memorable jab:

Smith, of course, has made a habit of taking off his shirt in celebration, and he even did so to rally Cleveland Indians fans during the World Series.

The president also spoke on more serious matters, however, praising the Cavs for speaking their minds on important issues:

Two days after the results of one of the most divisive and confrontational presidential elections in United States history, the president's acknowledgement felt particularly relevant. 

You can see the president's full comments from Thursday below, including his assertion that LeBron James is one of the best players in NBA history, per ABC News:

The Cavaliers, as a part of the ceremony, also took a tour of the White House.

Guard Jordan McRae had the opportunity to pose for a photo with the first lady, Michelle Obama:

The team also checked out the White House library:

And it took the time to document the event:

Nonetheless, on the same day that Donald Trump visited the White House to meet with the president, it was impossible to ignore the tension still in the air after the outcome of Tuesday's election.

Richard Jefferson posted on Snapchat the Cavs might be the last NBA team to visit the White House, per HoopsHype:

And a number of NBA players and head coaches, including Steve Kerr and Stan Van Gundy, have been critical of Trump and the fact the country elected him to be the next president.

So yes, Tuesday's results lingered over the proceedings Thursday.

Nonetheless, it was a day to celebrate the team's great achievement. And the Cavaliers remain one of the favorites to win an NBA title again this year, though the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, among other teams, will have a say in that.

You can follow Timothy Rapp on Twitter.