NEW YORK – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement about the National Basketball Players Association appointing Michele Roberts as its new Executive Director:

“On behalf of the NBA, I would like to congratulate Michele Roberts on her appointment as the NBPA’s new Executive Director and look forward to working with her and the NBPA Executive Committee to ensure the continued health and growth of our game.  The partnership between our players and teams is the backbone of the league, and we are eager to continue working with the Players Association to build this relationship.  I also want to thank Ron Klempner for his service as interim Executive Director over the past 18 months.”