[NBA\Death of David Stern]
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver: “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. He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world.”
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern, 77, passed away this afternoon as a result of the brain hemorrhage he suffered approximately three weeks ago. His wife, Dianne, and their family were with him at his bedside.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement:
“For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action. He was a mentor and one of my dearest friends. We spent countless hours in the office, at arenas and on planes wherever the game would take us. 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. He launched groundbreaking media and marketing partnerships, digital assets and social responsibility programs that have brought the game to billions of people around the world. 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.
“Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David’s vision, generosity and inspiration. Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him.”
The Golden State Warriors released a statement saying:
“We lost an icon of our sport today with the passing of Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. David was a visionary and innovator in every sense of the language, and the success of our league today is a reflection of his leadership. We extend our thoughts & prayers to his family.”
Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr said “David Stern made probably a bigger impact on the game than any non-player in the history of the NBA. David Stern really led the expansion of the league. He had the vision to set the league on course where it is today.”
Celtics legend Bill Russell in a statement said, “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.”
Former Miami Heat star Dwayne Wade tweeted “RIP David Stern! Shaking your hand on June 16, 2003 was a dream come true.”
Bulls Hall-of-Famer Scottie Pippen said, “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.”
Michael Jordan in a statement talked about Stern’s “deep love for the game of basketball” saying “Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it is today. He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon.”
