Today the NBA world learned of the passing of former Commissioner David Stern, who died aged 77 due to a brain hemorrhage he suffered approximately three weeks ago.
MORE: Former NBA Commissioner David Stern, dies aged 77
Stern brought the NBA to the world, serving as Commissioner for 30 years, driving its expansion from a fledgling league, to a global powerhouse.
Stern was the league's longest-serving Commissioner, taking on the role in 1984-2014, serving for exactly 30 years, before passing the job on to Adam Silver. Stern held the title of commissioner emeritus until his death.
A collection of players, past and present took to Twitter to share their condolences.
Michael Jordan issued the following statement via his manager:
Statement from Michael Jordan: pic.twitter.com/Q7AGlvwLdn
— Estee Portnoy (@esteep) 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
Today I lost a friend and a mentor. They say it takes 3 generations for you to create a true legacy, #davidstern did it in one. God speed and test in peace my friend pic.twitter.com/NJQ5S3PKZU
— Dominique Wilkins 🏀 🧢 (@DWilkins21) January 1, 2020
RIP Mr David Stern
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
The NBA owes David Stern a debt of gratitude. His courage, innovation intelligence, tenacity & his ability to manage our league that has become a global success. He charted a path for modern-day basketball. We all benefited from his vision and strong beliefs. #ripdavidstern
— Isiah Thomas (@IsiahThomas) January 1, 2020
Prayers up for David Stern and his family!!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) 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
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
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 game lost a leader today. Extending my prayers to David’s family and loved ones in this time of grief 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/TgNKlyAKZi
— Chris Paul (@CP3) January 1, 2020
Today the #NBAFamily lost a legend, a leader that changed our game for the better. A father, a husband, a friend.
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 1, 2020
RIP #DavidStern, you will forever be missed. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0dColRyTOT
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
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
The league wouldn’t be what it is today without you. The entire NBA family and fans around the world will miss you. 💔 #2009Draftday
— James Harden (@JHarden13) January 1, 2020
RIP David Stern🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/tnSYMsTnjp
Sad news. We lost a legend! RIP David Stern
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) January 1, 2020
RIP David Stern 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/pCgPHiQ2eH
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 1, 2020
Thank you for everything you did pic.twitter.com/pvRwvI5CBp
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) January 1, 2020
RIP Commissioner Stern 🙏🏿 Thank you for everything you did for the game. Shaking your hand in 2003 will always be one of my most cherished memories. Sending my love and prayers to the Stern family during this time ❤️ pic.twitter.com/8cjos50OHP
— Chris Bosh (@chrisbosh) 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://t.co/gh9qGQJqsU
— Goran Dragić (@Goran_Dragic) January 1, 2020
RIP Commissioner Stern, very sad to hear the news. You did great things for the game of basketball. Someone I always admired. #NBAFamily
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) January 1, 2020
Prayers up for David Stern and his family!
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) January 1, 2020
Rest In Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iCM8e5iL9n
