New commissioner, same love for China

Silver will continue trying to grow NBA here once Stern retires

The NBA's heir apparent has vowed to maintain the game's rapid growth in China after commissioner David Stern's retirement next year.

Stern, the NBA's longest-serving commissioner, has spent more than 20 years driving the league from virtual obscurity to huge popularity in China since he knocked on the country's door in 1987 with highlight tapes and a humble demeanor.