Most memorable NBA Draft moments ever

David Stern receives Brooklyn cheers, 2012

Since the draft is normally held in or around New York City, the boos should be expected, but near the end of his tenure David Stern was playing to the crowd like a wrestling heel. After being booed in 2012, he welcomed the crowd for its warm reception, and geared up for a line he knew would draw the ire of the fans in attendance when he mentioned the 2012 NBA champion Miami Heat, the league’s hated team at the time. He even held up a hand to his ear, taking a cue from the WWE. The strangest part is when the crowd goes wild for Adam Silver taking over for the second round.

This happened with regularity, though it was more prominent in 2012. In fact, in 2013, he acknowledged the boos and joked that he had to explain to the international audience that the boo is an American sign of respect. He was never truly a villain and helped elevate the league after a dark period, but he didn’t mind playing the part and had fun with the crowd.

However, David Stern’s last pick ever received a round of applause in 2014. It was a fitting goodbye because many fans would truly miss him. The NBA draft in the lottery era was inextricably tied to him, as he started in 1984 and was a key target for the Ewing envelope conspiracy and led the draft all the way to 2014.

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