Former NBA commissioner David Stern passes away at 77
Former NBA Commissioner David Stern has died. He was 77.
David Stern, former NBA Commissioner who oversaw exponential growth of the NBA during his 30-year tenure, has passed away. Stern was 77. He was hospitalized for the past few weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released 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 league in 1984 with a 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."
Tributes from the NBA community began to pour in as the news circulated.
Dwyane Wade, Richard Jefferson and Isaiah Thomas were among the first NBA players to share their thoughts and feelings about Stern on Twitter. Bill Russell, Pau Gasol, Scottie Pippen, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and more followed.
RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZCT7naJPcU
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 1, 2020
The two most important people in the history of the game of basketball are Dr James Naismith and DAVID STERN. One man created the game and the other made it what it is today. RIP David, so many owe you so much!
— Richard Jefferson (@Rjeff24) January 1, 2020
Prayers up for David Stern and his family!!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 1, 2020
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
https://twitter.com/paugasol/status/1212487261981466624
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
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
David Stern was such a history maker. When I announced in 1991 I had HIV, people thought they could get the virus from shaking my hand. When David allowed me to play in the 1992 All Star Game in Orlando and then play for the Olympic Dream Team, we were able to change the world.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020
RIP Mr David Stern
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
https://twitter.com/kobebryant/status/1212518570237628416
Thank you David Stern! You changed everything and we’re eternally grateful. Rest In Peace. Lots of love to the Stern family.
— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) January 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/JHarden13/status/1212510323762253829
Sad news. We lost a legend! RIP David Stern
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) January 1, 2020
“He’s the greatest commissioner in sports history.”
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 1, 2020
Charles expresses his appreciation for the late David Stern.
(via @NBATV) pic.twitter.com/aLG1Kq28mV
RIP David Stern, a trail blazer in making the NBA truly a global sport. We can’t thank you enough. Condolences to the Stern Family 🙏🏽
— Ben Simmons (@BenSimmons25) January 1, 2020
When I was a kid I would watch the NBA drafts all the time. I used to dream about getting drafted, putting on my hat, and shaking his hand, and accomplishing a dream. He helped take the game to new heights.. RIP to the GREAT David Stern.
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/spidadmitchell/status/1212503370306641920
https://twitter.com/rudygobert27/status/1212504164368027648
Th NBA and my family would not be in our position if wasn’t for one of the greatest Commissioners in professional sports. RIP David Stern. The game thanks you and will miss you.
— Karl-Anthony Towns (@KarlTowns) January 1, 2020
https://twitter.com/tonyparker/status/1212504214691295232
NBA media from Rachel Nichols, Bob Ryan, Zach Lowe, Kevin O’Connor, Chris Broussard, Bill Simmons, Mike Greenberg, Colin Cowherd and Jay Bilas were among those who shared their sympathies for the Stern family while expressing the impact Stern had on the league.
Such sad news from the NBA - former commissioner David Stern, 77, has passed away after suffering brain hemorrhage three weeks ago. All of us owe Stern such a debt - he made American pro sports a more exhilarating, more inclusive, more fun place to be. He will be missed. pic.twitter.com/u8uAvJotIH
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) January 1, 2020
I am truly saddened to hear that David Stern has died. He helped transform a sleeping giant of a sport into a global force. Even better, he was an anti-stuffed shirt commissioner, a guy you could joke and have fun with.
— Bob Ryan (@GlobeBobRyan) January 1, 2020
There is no way to encapsulate David Stern's impact on sports -- and issues beyond sports -- into a tweet. Rest in peace to the once and forever commissioner.
— Zach Lowe (@ZachLowe_NBA) January 1, 2020
David Stern, the NBA commissioner who oversaw the sport's biggest stage for three decades, has died.
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2020
He was 77. pic.twitter.com/Zc9IngkTPI
Rest in peace, David Stern. Stern helped save the NBA. The league and the sports world as a whole wouldn't be what it is today without him—his impact is immeasurable. History will remember him as one of the greats.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) January 1, 2020
Prayers going out to family & friends of former NBA Commissioner David Stern. May he RIP. 🙏🏽
— Chris Broussard (@Chris_Broussard) 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
Gutted to hear the news about David Stern. One of the most important people in the history of American sports. And one of the most brilliant and interesting people I’ve ever had the privilege to meet.
— Mike Greenberg (@Espngreeny) January 1, 2020
David Stern was always one of my favorite interviews. A couple times a year he would tolerate my latest NBA theory and shoot holes thru it. Always willing to tackle any topic. Almost seemed to relish the argument. A perfect, feisty guest and a force of nature intellectually.#RIP
— Colin Cowherd (@ColinCowherd) January 1, 2020
RIP to former NBA Commissioner David Stern, who presided over unprecedented global growth of the NBA and basketball for 30 years. Precious few have had comparable impact upon the game. Sad news for the world basketball community. pic.twitter.com/8OF1UybTA0
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) January 1, 2020
Steve Kerr on the legacy of Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/kUWpEbfBr2
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) January 1, 2020
A pioneer who transformed the game.@TurnerSportsEJ remembers the life and legacy of former NBA commissioner David Stern.
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 1, 2020
(via @NBATV)pic.twitter.com/z1BelC2r9o
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell shared his thoughts on the “dean of commissioners” via Adam Schefter.
Here’s NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on former NBA commissioner David Stern: pic.twitter.com/eEDLP1q6Wi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 1, 2020