League plans two-week celebration in appreciation of support in China

There's nothing sheepish about the way the NBA will celebrate Chinese New Year.

From Feb 20 to March 4, the world's most popular pro league will mark its tribute to the Year of the Sheep with a record 56 live games broadcast and streamed nationwide, showcasing 27 of the 30 NBA teams.

The tribute will also include the debut of Surprise Door, the first NBA Chinese New Year television spot; the unveiling of the first Chinese New Year uniforms; and the tip-off of an initiative called 'Season of Giving' to support underprivileged communities around the country.

"Chinese New Year is a time of joyful family reunion and provides an occasion for us to share in the festivities by delivering the excitement of the NBA right into the homes of our fans," said NBA China CEO David Shoemaker.

"We truly appreciate the support of our Chinese fans, and we are thrilled to tip off our Season of Giving celebration by dedicating a new basketball court in Fujian Province."

A star-studded television commercial will kick off the festivities, featuring Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, James Harden of the Houston Rockets, Jeremy Lin of the LA Lakers and Dwyane Wade of the Miami Heat paying a surprise visit to a Chinese family to share in the holiday celebration and watch a game together.

Over the two-week stretch teams will wear specially designed uniforms as a homage to the league's Chinese fans and their culture. The Warriors will wear the uniforms on Feb 21 when they play the San Antonio Spurs at home, while the Rockets will wear their uniforms on Feb 22 when they host the Toronto Raptors.

Both teams will wear the uniforms for a combined total of seven games. In addition to the Rockets and Warriors, the Raptors, Sacramento Kings and Washington Wizards will also celebrate the holiday and pay tribute to Chinese culture with fan giveaways, musical performances, dancers, food, courtside signage, and partner activation.

"The uniforms look great ... very cool," Warriors power forward Draymond Green said in a conference call with Beijing media on Tuesday. "In the Bay Area we have tremendous support from the Chinese community, so this is a way of showing our appreciation."

Green, who first visited China as a player for Team USA at the 2011 Universiade in Shenzhen, has since made two more trips - most recently last summer.

"The way China has embraced the NBA is incredible ... not just the support of the fans, but their overall knowledge and appreciation of the game," said the 6-foot-7 power forward, who was selected No 35 overall in the 2012 NBA draft.

"I'm very grateful for the positive feedback I've had every time I visit China, but last year was the best ... the first time I never felt homesick. The Chinese truly made me feel like one of their own."

Green, who set up clinics for coaches and young players during his most recent visit, said it's only natural for the NBA to be celebrating Chinese New Year.

"China represents the league's biggest fan base outside the US, and the support there just keeps growing and growing. By joining in this celebration, we're showing how important China is to our game."

CCTV will feature a slate of 20 marquee matchups beginning with a Feb 20 doubleheader featuring Dirk Nowitzki and the Dallas Mavericks visiting Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder, followed by the defending champion San Antonio Spurs visiting Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers.