NBA Players celebrate Obama's ascent

It's no secret that the NBA player base is predominantly African-American, so it came as no surprise that a number of the league's players were in a celebratory mood Tuesday when Barack Obama placed his hand on Abraham Lincoln's bible and was sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts as the 44th president of the United States.

The common theme was how it felt to see a fellow African-American take over the most powerful office in the world for the first time.

"Kids always look at us athletes to be their role models and we can't take that for granted," the Lakers' Lamar Odom said. "But Barack, now he's a true role model."

"I thought it was incredible," Kobe Bryant told the Los Angeles Times. "It was an historical moment. It's exciting times we live in. I'm just happy to be a part of it and to be able to see it and embrace it. God bless him."

Injured Golden State Warriors star Monta Ellis was the most eloquent spokesman on Obama's ascension, however.

Ellis compared Obama to Martin Luther King Jr., one of the greatest orators in American history, whose "I Have A Dream" speech took place at the opposite end of the National Mall from where Obama was sworn in some 45 years ago.

"I heard Obama's speech...It felt good," Ellis told 48minutes.net. "Actually, to me, he was saying pretty much the same thing Dr. King was saying. And he sounded just like him as he was speaking. It was just like when Dr. King was speaking. It's a great feeling. It's like history repeating itself, and it's a great thing."

Dahntay Jones and Renaldo Balkman of the Denver Nuggets arrived for their game on Tuesday in Memphis wearing Obama T-shirts. Meanwhile, Carmelo Anthony sported a red tie "because Obama was wearing one."

"I'm excited about his presidency," Nuggets coach George Karl told the Rocky Mountain News. "Never in my life have I ever had as much hope...It's a good day for America. Most (of Karl's players) are in (Obama's) pocket ready to support him in any way."

The Knicks' Chris Duhon actually turned down a ticket to the inauguration in order to receive treatment on his sore lower back. But, the point guard made a point to sit down with a group of foster children and regale them with how he once played with the new Commander-in-Chief, who happens to be a huge basketball fan, during his days in Chicago.

"I would have obviously loved to be there, but at the same time, it still doesn't take away how special a day it was for America," Duhon told the New York Daily News. "Everyone talks about his game. He's all right. He's a solid player. But he's going to be an even better President."

The NBA's biggest star, LeBron James, even offered up his services if the nation's new first fan needs any help during a White House pickup game.

"I'll play with him as long as I'm on the same team. I don't want to make the President mad," James deadpanned.