NEW YORK – NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released the following statement regarding the passing of John Saunders:

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of John Saunders.  As the studio host of NBA Shootaround, a play-by-play announcer for nationally televised NBA and WNBA games and one of the Toronto Raptors’ first television voices, John was a vital member of the NBA family for more than two decades and was a friendly and familiar face to our players and fans.  His achievements in journalism are matched only by his commitment to his community, particularly his service as a founding member of the V Foundation.  We send our deepest condolences to his wife, Wanda, their two daughters, Aleah and Jenna, and the entire Saunders family during this difficult time.”