Boston – In a stunning development for both the worlds of politics and basketball, presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Barack Obama has quit the race to play for the Boston Celtics against the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA Finals.

 

“This tedious and ridiculous campaign has taught me an important lesson, politics is a thankless business. If Hillary wants the presidency so bad, she can have it. I’m gonna go shoot jumpers.”

 

Celtic coach Doc Rivers said, at first, he’d use Obama off the bench. “Once he gets into game shape, we’ll see. ‘O’ is a helluva spot-up jump shooter. If Ray Allen’s shooting slump continues, Barack could be a great option.”

 

“Talk about the audacity of hope,” said Lakers’ coach Phil Jackson, “from the videotape I’ve seen, Barack can’t jump over a piece of paper.”

 

“Yes!!” said an exultant Hillary Clinton when she heard the news. Ironically, when Clinton’s campaign appeared over in September, the NY Senator briefly joined the Knicks for a handful of pre-season games.   

 

Obama and his wife Michelle have a long relationship with Boston, where both attended Harvard Law School. “I’ve always dreamed of playing for the Green,” said Obama, “besides California didn’t vote for me.”

 

Craig Robinson, Obama’s brother-in-law who was recently named head basketball coach at Oregon State University, was guarded in his reaction. “Barack can shoot, but he plays no ‘D.’ He’s too damn nice, he doesn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings by preventing them from scoring. Either that, or,” Robinson added with a laugh, “he’s just plain lazy.”

 

“Now he’s really going to have to give up smoking,” Obama’s wife Michelle observed. “It’s about damn time.”