NBA Commish Adam Silver -- Breaks Out The Big Guns ... Hires 4-Star U.S. General

The NBA just added some serious firepower to the front office -- hiring the former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff to be Adam Silver's new special adviser.

The league just announced Ret. General Martin E. Dempsey -- the highest ranking U.S. military official for the past 4 years -- will step into his new role effective January 1st.

So, what's he gonna do exactly?

The NBA says Dempsey will "provide the NBA with counsel on leadership and service, while continuing to support the league's military and youth basketball initiatives."

In a statement, Gen. Dempsey added ... "After 4 decades of service in the United States Armed Forces, I look forward to working with the league to help improve communities and positively impact the children of civilian and military families."

As for Silver -- the NBA commish says he's "honored" to have Gen. Dempsey on board.

#GoUSA