The NBA has named retired U.S. Army Gen. MARTIN DEMPSEY Special Adviser to NBA Commissioner ADAM SILVER. Dempsey will begin his role Jan. 1. For the past four years, Dempsey has been Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The NBA in a release said that Dempsey's role will be to provide counsel on leadership and service, while supporting military and youth basketball initiatives. He also will participate in NBA events, including Global Games, All-Star weekend and various league meetings. The league said that Dempsey also will serve as Jr. NBA Leadership Council Chair. Silver in a statement said, "General Dempsey’s unwavering commitment to a life of service reflects the values that we strive to embody as an organization, and I am delighted he will continue his work with the league" (John Lombardo, Staff Writer). In N.Y., Zach Schonbrun notes Dempsey is expected to "advise NBA owners and executives on how franchises can connect with communities." Dempsey on Thursday "spoke about playing basketball while growing up and, later on, admiring its capacity to connect people." He said, "Basketball has always been a passion for the Dempsey family" (N.Y. TIMES, 10/2).
