What do President Obama and the Miami Heat have in common? Well, according to the president himself, they are both still looking for "a little respect."

"This group has won twice now, but it's gone to the finals three times, and sometimes it feels like they're still fighting for a little respect," Obama said Tuesday. "I can relate to that."

President Obama welcomed the Miami Heat to the White House Tuesday to celebrate its second NBA championship in a row after beating the San Antonio Spurs in seven games last June.

"For these guys, it is welcome back to the White House - after being back-to-back world champions, the Miami Heat," the basketball-loving president said. "I've never seen folks more excited than the Heat when they came last year. LeBron was so pumped up I thought he was going to give me a hug and knock me over like the guy in the SportsCenter who hit the half-court shot. But it was wonderful to see them then. It wonderful to see them back."

"We're very proud to have them back. We wish them great luck for the rest of the season, unless they're playing the Bulls," the president, a big fan of his hometown Chicago Bulls, said.

At the end of the ceremony, the team presented Obama with a personalized replica of the NBA Championship trophy, an autographed basketball, and his own Miami Heat jersey, bearing the number 44 and the word "POTUS."

"You know, you guys are winning me over a little bit," the president said.