The N.B.A. has named Gen. Martin E. Dempsey, the former chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as a special adviser to the league and to its commissioner, Adam Silver.
General Dempsey, 63, who officially stepped down a week ago after four years as the military’s top officer, was expected to counsel Mr. Silver on matters of leadership and service, as well as to advise N.B.A. owners and executives on how franchises can connect with communities. He will also head a new leadership council for the league’s global youth basketball initiative, the Jr. N.