MIDLAND BEACH — The NBA kicked off events leading up to February's All-Star game at Madison Square Garden by re-opening a refurbished playground and basketball court in Midland Beach that were ravaged by Hurricane Sandy.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver joined Mayor Bill de Blasio, several WNBA and NBA players, and new Knicks' head coach Derek Fisher to cut the ribbon Monday on the refurbished courts on Father Capodanno Boulevard.
"This is all being done for you," de Blasio told students from P.S. 38 and Egbert Intermediate School. "This all being done to give you more wonderful options in your life."
After the ceremony, the students shot hoops during a clinic with New York Knicks center Cole Aldrich, Brooklyn Nets forward Andrei Kirilenko, Connecticut Sun forward Chiney Ogwumike, and New York Liberty guard Essence Carson.
Silver said the NBA plans to hold basketball, fitness and nutrition programs across the city leading up to the 2015 All-Star game in February at Madison Square Garden.
"Today is the tip-off of a season long of activities in all five boroughs," Silver said. "Our idea... was to bring these events to the people of New York. And that meant coming to Staten Island to rebuild this playground."
Aside from the basketball courts, Miracle Recreation Equipment also donated a new, pirate-themed playground to replace one damaged by the storm.
And speaking to the new head coach for the Knicks — who haven't won a NBA Championship since 1973 — de Blasio tried to make sure Fisher didn't feel pressure from the city's fans at his new job.
"There's no pressure on you at all," de Blasio said. "Just people really, really, really want a championship here."