Rainn Wilson to star in NBA ads

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Actor Rainn Wilson is set to star in a series of spots promoting the 2009-10 NBA season on TNT, the U.S. cable television network said.

Wilson is best known for playing Dwight Schrute on the NBC comedy, "The Office." TNT is the home of Thursday night NBA doubleheaders and the "Inside the NBA" show.

The spots are driven by the concept of taxicab confessionals, with Wilson serving as the cabbie to marquee NBA players Dwight Howard from the Orlando Magic, Gilbert Arenas from the Washington Wizards, Derrick Rose from the Chicago Bulls and Deron Williams from the Utah Jazz.

"We are always looking for new and unique ways to promote the NBA on TNT and Rainn's comic ability coupled with the player's reactionary personalities will bring strong entertainment value to these spots," Craig Barry, senior vice president and creative director of Turner Sports, said in a statement Wednesday.

"Ever since I was growing up watching the Seattle SuperSonics, I've been the hugest NBA fan. So, of course, I was thrilled to be working with the some world's greatest (and tallest!) athletes," Wilson said. "Although, I have to say, enough with this baggy shorts nonsense. Bring back the NBA hotpants look of 1979! And what ever happened to the crushed velour/terry-cloth warm-up track suits of yore? Other than those recent fashion blunders, I couldn't be more psyched!"

The first spot, featuring Wilson and Howard, can now be seen on NBA.com. Additional spots will debut leading up to the start of the 2009-10 season.