LAS VEGAS — Vice President Kamala Harris made a surprise guest appearance at the U.S. Olympic men's basketball team's practice on Tuesday, and her message was clear.
“Get your money back,” Harris said.
Harris, who flew to Las Vegas on Tuesday to campaign, gave a short speech to the team at the end of their fourth and final training camp practice. Harris has long been an avowed Golden State Warriors fan. The U.S. team is coached by Warriors coach Steve Kerr and includes Warriors guard Stephen Curry as a roster.
“This is a great reminder of the fact that we're playing for our country,” said Kerr, who met Harris on multiple occasions as a Warriors fan. “Vice President Harris told the players how much she respects them, how they truly represent excellence, and that we're going out there to win a gold medal for our country.”
Harris shook hands with the players, chatted briefly with LeBron James and a few others and posed for a group photo with the entire team.
“Truly, you are the best of the best,” Harris told the players, “and as Team USA, you represent our country. You are ambassadors of who our country is, just like you do every day on and off the court. You represent leadership in all walks of life. And the fact that you went to Paris and brought home a gold medal is just another example of your excellence, teamwork, compassion and dedication.”
U.S. assistant coach Erik Spoelstra said he had no idea the vice president would be coming to practice.
“It was a very special moment for the whole group,” Spoelstra said. “She said it's a big responsibility because we're representing our country and everyone's going to be watching and cheering for us, but she knows we're all doing it with class and representing everyone here.”
Harris is scheduled to meet with voters in both Las Vegas and Dallas this week.
The U.S. men's team plays the first of five pre-Olympic exhibition games against Canada on Wednesday in Las Vegas. Though the game is not Olympic-related (the first game in France is July 28 against Serbia), Harris encouraged his team to get going now.
“Our country is rooting for you and we are so proud of you,” Harris said. “Beat Canada and bring home the gold medal.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
