‘Office’ Star Rainn Wilson Set for TNT NBA Promos
October 9, 2009 by Chandra
TNT is kicking off the 2009–2010 NBA season in fine, funny style.
As many basketball fans may already know, the network is home to the Emmy-winning Inside the NBA program and exclusive Thursday-night NBA doubleheaders. Now it also has a fantastic promotional campaign to help spread the word about upcoming broadcasts, featuring Emmy-nominated The Office star Rainn Wilson (pictured above) alongside various NBA players.
The exclusive spots are a take on so-called taxicab confessionals, with Wilson playing the role of a very memorable cab driver. That’s where pro basketball players like the Orlando Magic’s Dwight Howard, the Washington Wizards’ Gilbert Arenas, the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose, and the Utah Jazz’s Deron Williams enter the picture — they portray fares catching a ride in Wilson’s taxi.
Says Wilson in typical comedic style: “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 some [of the] worlds greatest and tallest athletes. 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!”
Says Turner Sports senior vice president and creative director Craig Barry: “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.”
Says Orlando Magic center and power forward Howard, who co-stars with Wilson in the first spot unveiled on October 7: “TNT’s campaigns are always very creative and entertaining and I really enjoyed working on the spots. I tried to bring as much personality to the promos and make them fun. Rainn definitely has a career as a cabbie to fall back on if the acting thing doesn’t work out.”
If you don’t believe Howard, also known as Superman, then check out the first promo for yourself below. Future spots will debut periodically as the 2009–2010 season approaches, and all of the promos will be available for viewing at NBA.com.
The Office airs Thursdays on NBC at 9pm ET.