Gregg Popovich Supports Adam Silver, NBA's Statement on China and Daryl Morey

San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich praised the efforts of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver when it comes to managing the league's relationship with China. 

Popovich told reporters Tuesday that Silver has been "a heck of a leader" and "very courageous" throughout the situation. He added he was "thrilled" with Silver's statement.

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey inadvertently created an international incident when he posted an image on Twitter that expressed support for the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta quickly tweeted Morey's tweet didn't represent the team's official position:

The Chinese consulate general's office in Houston responded by issuing a statement condemning Morey's pro-Hong Kong tweet, and the Chinese Basketball Association suspended its partnership with the Rockets.

Morey issued a statement on Twitter:

"I did not intend my tweet to cause any offense to Rockets fans and friends of mine in China. I was merely voicing one thought, based on one interpretation, of one complicated event. I have had a lot of opportunity since that tweet to hear and consider other perspectives. I have always appreciated the significant support our Chinese fans and sponsors have provided and I would hope that those who are upset will know that offending or misunderstanding them was not my intention. My tweets are my own and in no way represent the Rockets or the NBA."

China's response has extended beyond the Rockets. Two of the country's media partners won't provide a broadcast or stream of the NBA's preseason games in Shanghai and Shenzhen.

In his statement, Silver acknowledged how Hong Kong is an important issue to the Chinese people but said the NBA would respect the right to free speech in the United States:

"It is inevitable that people around the world -- including from America and China -- will have different viewpoints over different issues.  It is not the role of the NBA to adjudicate those differences.

"However, the NBA will not put itself in a position of regulating what players, employees and team owners say or will not say on these issues.  We simply could not operate that way."

The league has spent decades building a bridge to China and growing its footprint in the country.

The Washington Post's Ben Golliver noted 640 million people in China watched the NBA in some form during the 2017-18 season. In addition, 21 million people watched Game 6 of the 2019 NBA Finals on Tencent, exceeding the United States' viewership.