Retired NBA Commissioner David Stern has passed away at the age of 77.
Stern, just the fourth commissioner in NBA history, shepherded the league through one of its most difficult eras into a global powerhouse, transforming the association in the process before passing the torch to its current commissioner, Adam Silver.
Expanding from 23 teams in half-empty arenas to the 30 internationally-known franchises we know today, Stern’s imperfect but driven guidance forever changed the face of the NBA.
Rising to prominence negotiating the creation of league free agency, he helped reshape everything from the collective bargaining agreement to the growing international profile of the league.
A league which ironically saw its first foray into the Mexican market announced on the eve of the brain hemorrhage three weeks ago that ultimately ended his life.
The revival of the Celtics rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers sparked backed to life in his first season as commissioner in 1984, tying the two storied franchises to the league’s last commissioner.
Larry Bird and Magic Johnson’s epic battles throughout the 1980s became the engine driving Stern’s NBA to national relevance.
Many current and former Celtics weighed in on the giant of the basketball world, including legendary Boston big man Bill Russell:
Former Celtic Shaquille O’Neal recalled moments the two had together:
As did ex-Celtic center Ryan Hollins:
And current Celtics center Enes Kanter:
So did former Boston big Jared Sullinger:
Second-year center Robert Williams III also paid his respects:
Joined by Hall of Fame Boston big (albeit briefly) Dominique Wilkins:
Along with former short-term Celtic floor general Jameer Nelson:
And ex-Celtic guard Kenny Anderson, too:
Isaiah Thomas offered his condolences as well:
Assistant general manager Mike Zarren offered some memories of his own:
Celtics legend and Indiana Pacers front office figure Larry Bird put out a statement on his friend’s passing online, reading:
“My family and I send our sincere condolences to David Stern’s family. There are no words that can really describe the far-reaching impact of Commissioner Stern’s brilliance, vision, fairness and hard work over so many years.
When you think of all that he accomplished worldwide on behalf of thousands of players, so many fans, all of the jobs he created for team and arena employees and all of the people that benefited from the many layers of growth in the sport and industry that David spearheaded and then passed on to others, there is no doubt Commissioner Stern lifted the NBA to new heights and he will be greatly missed by all of us.”
Finally, Boston governor Wyc Grousbeck and the Celtics front office released an official statement of their own:
Stern’s legacy in the NBA and greater sports world is unprecedented. Few did more to transform a league and through it a sport more than he did, and none as long as his 30-year tenure between 1984 and 2014.
While his tenure was not without missteps, his contributions to the lives of millions will ensure his memory will live on as the sport truly begins to find a global footing, Stern’s vision coming to fruition at the moment of his final rest.
Rest in Peace, David Stern — we are forever in your debt.
