The NBA received some heartbreaking news yesterday as news broke of the death of former NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern.
Having served as Commissioner for 30 years, he helped oversee the league in one of its most successful eras and it wouldn’t be what it is today without him. During his tenure, Stern led a major franchise expansion and helped globalize the game, turning it into a multibillion business.
He also helped initiate the creation of the Women’s National Basketball Association and the NBA Development League.
It’s no surprise that the basketball community was shaken up, and a number of the game’s most recognizable faces took to social media to recognize and honor the death of a legend.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B6y6_Y3ALRP
The game changed in so many ways under David Stern’s leadership and vision. He demanded the best of everyone because he gave it himself. #Respect Thank you Commissioner. RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/veT9GQfrdC
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) January 1, 2020
Full statement from the league office on the passing of David Stern … pic.twitter.com/c0aqapqsLL
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 1, 2020
NBA legend and Hornets owner Michael Jordan’s statement to @TheAthletic @Stadium on death of iconic NBA commissioner David Stern: pic.twitter.com/0MZUiB4pRh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 1, 2020
Simply put, Stern is a basketball star in his own right. He changed, molded, and helped see the game through the process of what it has become today.
And that’s something the league, and all of those who have benefitted, will not forget.
