NBA community honours the memory of former commissioner David Stern

Take a look at the lasting impact David Stern had on the NBA and the game of basketball.

David Stern spent three decades overseeing basketball’s biggest stage, steering the NBA from a league that struggled to find its footing into a global powerhouse.

On New Year’s Day, Stern passed away at the age of 77 after suffering a brain hemorrhage in December.

The NBA community came together quickly to mourn his passing, honour his memory and to send condolences to his wife Dianne and sons Andrew and Eric.

“Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it is today,” Michael Jordan, NBA legend and Charlotte Hornets owner, said in a statement. “He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon, creating new opportunities that few could have imagined before.

“His vision and leadership provided me with the global stage that allowed me to succeed. David had a deep love for the game of basketball and demanded excellence from those around him — and I admired him for that. I wouldn’t be where I am without him.

“I offer my deepest sympathies to Dianne and his family.”

Jordan’s sentiments were echoed by other owners and managers like Mark Cuban — who oversees the Dallas Mavericks and described Stern as both a friend and mentor — as well as Golden State Warriors’ President and CEO Rick Welts, and the Warriors’ President of Basketball Operations and General Manager, Bob Myers.

Toronto Raptors president, Masai Ujiri, praised Stern’s leadership and vision, thanking him on behalf of fans across Canada for the way he expanded the game’s reach outside the United States’ borders.

“It was rare to see a leader with such great vision, who then also executed it,” Ujiri said in a press release. “Everyone who plays, works in or watches the NBA owes a debt of gratitude to Mr. Stern. The league that we know and love would not exist without his dedication, his hard work, and most especially his vision. He was transcendent.

“He oversaw the expansion of our league to Canada. He knew there was basketball talent around the world and he saw opportunity for players and fans everywhere – he is a great, global giant in sports.

“We are proud of what he did, and his death pains us. On behalf of our entire organization and all basketball fans across Canada, we send plenty blessings to his family.”

But while Stern touched all NBA lives in some respect, there are few people who have had their careers as closely tethered to him as Adam Silver, the league’s current commissioner.

“For 22 years, I had a courtside seat to watch David in action,” Silver said in a press release. “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.”

Players and coaches paid respects, too, taking a moment to commemorate the life and legacy of one of basketball’s giants.

In a series of Tweets, Magic Johnson attempted to put into words just how significant Stern was to him, both personally and professionally.

“Cookie and I are devastated to hear about the passing of my longtime friend and former NBA Commissioner David Stern,” Johnson tweeted. “A great man, husband, father, friend, businessman, and visionary, I loved and respected him.

“For 30 years as NBA Commissioner, David grew the NBA to become one of the most popular leagues in the world with his revolutionary ideas. He took the NBA Finals from tape delay to live games & then began every Sunday on CBS highlighting Larry Bird’s Celtics & my Showtime Lakers.

“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.

“I remember one of my meetings with David in his NYC office working with him to improve the overall NBA and All Star Weekend. It was very special that he asked me and we were able to collaborate and make improvements.

“Cookie and I are praying for the Stern family, his lovely wife Dianne and sons Eric and Andrew. May God comfort you during this time. Our hearts go out to you!”

Alex English, NBA Hall of Famer, made a special point of acknowledging Stern’s commitment to civil rights.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Stern’s support for women’s sports.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of NBA commissioner Emeritus David Stern,” Engelbert said via a press release. “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.”

[relatedlinks]

When submitting content, please abide by our submission guidelines, and avoid posting profanity, personal attacks or harassment. Should you violate our submissions guidelines, we reserve the right to remove your comments and block your account. Sportsnet reserves the right to close a story’s comment section at any time.