David Stern, Former NBA Commissioner, Dies at Age 77
David Stern, the former NBA commissioner for 30 years, died suddenly at the age of 77.
Per the NBA, Stern died today (January 1) following being treated for a brain hemorrhage he suffered about three weeks ago.
https://twitter.com/MarcJSpearsESPN/status/1212478980344803329/photo/1/
Current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement about Stern, “Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals – preparation, attention to detail, and hard work. David took over the NBA in 1984 with the league at a crossroads. But over the course of 30 years as Commissioner, he ushered in the modern global NBA…Because of David, the NBA is a truly global brand – making him not only one of the greatest sports commissioners of all time but also one of the most influential business leaders of his generation.”
Stern was also helped found the WNBA during his time as commissioner of the NBA. Of his passing, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. The WNBA will be forever grateful for his exemplary leadership and vision that led to the founding of our league. His steadfast commitment to women’s sports was ahead of its time and has provided countless opportunities for women and young girls who aspire to play basketball. He will be missed.”
https://twitter.com/WNBA/status/1212491049089847297/photo/1
A number of current and former NBA figures and other sports icons shared tributes to Stern following his death. Here are a few notable ones.
I can not put into words what the friendship of David Stern has meant to me but many others. He changed so many lives. David was a great innovator and made the game we love what it is today. This is a horrible loss. Our hearts are with Dianne & their family. RIP my friend. @NBA pic.twitter.com/mbnneqm18s
— TheBillRussell (@RealBillRussell) January 1, 2020
RIP Mr David Stern
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
Very sad day for basketball. We saw David Stern a lot in the 90s and I found him to be kind, thoughtful and almost always the smartest person in the room. He was an innovator who helped grow our sport into a global game and his impact will never be forgotten. RIP, Commissioner. pic.twitter.com/FzlJwnJmrK
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) January 1, 2020
David Stern was the most important non-player/non-coach who ever passed through the NBA and it’s not really close. Out of everyone he probably loved the league the most. It’s a sad day. RiP.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) January 1, 2020
RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZCT7naJPcU
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 1, 2020
Throwing it back to David Stern's legendary NBA draft performance in 2013.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 1, 2020
R.I.P. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/uRD9ZWH1Z2
Our deepest condolences to the friends & family of David Stern, a truly transformative leader. David was a genius who not only saved the NBA, but championed the WNBA. He believed in the women’s game & it remains a part of his legacy.
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) January 1, 2020
May he Rest In Peace. https://t.co/yJASwnTrEd
The @WNBA would not have launched without David Stern, yet he never sought to be given all the credit for league. He tended to give that to others, especially Val Ackerman, deservedly so. But he deserves to be remembered as someone who had an enormous impact on women’s sports.
— Michael Voepel (@MAVoepel) January 1, 2020
