Multi-platinum vocalist Kelly Clarkson and NBA Legends Artis Gilmore, Gail Goodrich, Spencer Haywood and Dan Roundfield traveled June 10-14 on a USO tour to Kuwait to boost troop morale. The group went to a number of camps, and Clarkson sang the national anthem via satellite prior to Game 2 of the NBA Finals, televised in the U.S. on ABC June 12.

The Larry O'Brien Trophy, which is awarded to the team that wins the NBA championship, accompanied the NBA Legends on the tour. Troops were given the opportunity to pose with the trophy during the "meet and greet" sessions, with many waiting in long lines to glimpse the silver trophy and shake hands with the basketball players. The players signed autographs, posed for pictures, and provided basketball fans with tips and pointers on ways to improve their game.

Clarkson's performance of the national anthem was a big hit among service members and NBA fans alike. She gained worldwide recognition after she was voted the first American Idol in September 2002. Recently, she released her second multi-platinum album, "Breakaway." The album is a top 10 staple on the charts and features such #1 hits as "Breakaway," "Since U Been Gone" and her current single, "Behind These Hazel Eyes."

Former NBA All-Stars Gilmore, Goodrich, Haywood and Roundfield enjoyed stellar careers on the court. As a 7-foot-2-inch center, Gilmore was one of the league's most intimidating players during the 1970s and 1980s. A member of the Hall-of-Fame, Goodrich earned two NBA Championships as the starting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers in 1971 and 1972 alongside teammates Wilt Chamberlain and Jerry West. Haywood, a USO tour veteran, won a gold medal in 1968 at the Olympic Games in Mexico City before joining the NBA. Roundfield, a 6-foot-8-inch forward, spent six of his 12 NBA seasons with the Atlanta Hawks and was named to the NBA's All-Defense First Team three times.

This tour continues the USO tradition of bringing celebrity entertainment to troops serving far from home. The NBA has a long history of working with the USO. During this year's playoffs, current NBA stars, Legends and teams participated in numerous stateside events, which included visits to military hospitals and bases.