NBA Players, Teams, Pay Tribute To NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern

KEY POINTS

David Stern served as the NBA Commissioner for 30 years
He was also instrumental to the creation of WNBA
He was in charge when the expansion teams, relocations, and Olympic “Dream Team” was formed

The National Basketball Association announced the passing of Commissioner-emeritus David Stern on New Year’s Day. Stern was the head honcho of the league for three decades.

Stern, 77, succumbed to brain hemorrhage. It was reported weeks ago that he suffered the condition after collapsing while in a restaurant in Manhattan. Reports from CNN revealed that a concerned citizen contacted 911 after an individual, referring to Stern, appeared to have a “cardiac condition” on December 13. He underwent surgery later on.

Serving as the commissioner of the league for exactly three decades, he was the league’s general counsel from 1978 to 1980 before serving as the Executive Vice President for the next four years. Named as the fourth commissioner of the league in February 1984, he was credited for making a global impact through his efforts of bringing the league to the world. When he stepped down in 2013, the league is being aired in 200 countries.

He was also in charge when the expansion occurred with the addition of seven new teams to the league – Charlotte Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat, Orlando Magic, Vancouver Grizzlies, Toronto Raptors, and Charlotte Bobcats – and relocation and rebranding of six teams – Los Angeles Clippers from San Diego, Sacramento Kings from Kansas City, Memphis Grizzlies from Vancouver, Brooklyn Nets from New Jersey, New Orleans Pelicans from Charlotte, and Oklahoma City Thunder from Seattle as the Supersonics. He was also part of the creation of WNBA in 1996 before launching the following year.

Players and teams went to social media to express their condolences and tributes to the longest-tenured NBA head – including Michael Jordan through manager Estee Portnoy, LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Steph Curry, and more.

Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/Q7AGlvwLdn
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) January 1, 2020

RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZCT7naJPcU
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 1, 2020

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

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

Cookie and I are devastated to hear about the passing of my longtime friend and former NBA Commissioner David Stern. A great man, husband, father, friend, businessman, and visionary, I loved and respected him.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

RIP Mr David Stern
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
— SHAQ.SOL (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020

RIP David. You always said you made me and you were absolutely right . You were a friend, mentor and administrator of the largest donut fund ever. You are missed. pic.twitter.com/RYACDOj9ii
— Mark Cuban (@mcuban) January 1, 2020

Today the #NBAFamily lost a legend, a leader that changed our game for the better. A father, a husband, a friend.

RIP #DavidStern, you will forever be missed. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0dColRyTOT
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 1, 2020

Prayers up for David Stern and his family!

Rest In Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iCM8e5iL9n
— Enes FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) January 1, 2020

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

Sad news. We lost a legend! RIP David Stern
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) 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

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

The Lakers Organization is mourning the passing of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, whose unprecedented vision and tireless spirit made the game what it is today. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Dianne, and his family. pic.twitter.com/xY5rcoyJIQ
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 2, 2020

Rest In Peace #DavidStern 🙏🏻
You will be missed immensely. #NBAfamily #grateful pic.twitter.com/aj66UALo1J
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 1, 2020

.@Dame_Lillard shares his thoughts on the passing of David Stern pic.twitter.com/ntiJYJzeoi
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 1, 2020

Your legacy is what you stood for & what lessons you leave to those left behind. David Stern I’m so thankful for the impact you’ve had on my life and the opportunities you gave all of us in the WNBA. You leveled the playing field long before it was “the thing to do”Rest In Peace
— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) January 1, 2020

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From declaring his very first NBA draftee in Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984 to the last player he will be announcing, who turned out to be Nemanja Nedovic by the Phoenix Suns in 2013, he stepped down as the league commissioner, then introducing current commissioner Adam Silver as his successor.