David Stern, who served as the NBA's commissioner from 1984 until 2014, died Wednesday, the league announced in a statement. Stern was commissioner during the most successful period in NBA history and shepherded the league into the global market.
Stern's impact on the game was undeniable, and reaction to his death poured in from around the league on Wednesday afternoon.
• Woj: David Stern was a complete force of nature
• Spears: Remembering David Stern's power moves
Players past and present expressed their condolences, with many sharing the moment Stern welcomed them to the NBA on the draft-day stage.
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
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
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
RIP Mr David Stern
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
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
RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZCT7naJPcU
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 1, 2020
Sad news. We lost a legend! RIP David Stern
— Dirk Nowitzki (@swish41) January 1, 2020
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
Rest In Peace #DavidStern 🙏🏻
— Tony Parker (@tonyparker) January 1, 2020
You will be missed immensely. #NBAfamily #grateful pic.twitter.com/aj66UALo1J
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
Will never forget the words you spoke this day! "With the 7th pick" changed my life forever. Thank you and your family for your leadership and commitment to growing the game of basketball around the World. Forever grateful. RIP Commisoner Stern! pic.twitter.com/o7S4IT54NQ
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) 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
Damn. RIP Commissioner. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻 https://t.co/r5xtwpvJIO
— Kevin Love (@kevinlove) 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
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
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
RIP David Stern 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/pCgPHiQ2eH
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 1, 2020
Prayers up for David Stern and his family!
— Enes Kanter (@EnesKanter) January 1, 2020
Rest In Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iCM8e5iL9n
Prayers up for David Stern and his family!!
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) January 1, 2020
So sad! RIP! The NBA wouldn't be what it is today if it wasn't for that man! 🙏🏽 #DavidStern https://t.co/cWn91fiSeY
— Jared Dudley (@JaredDudley619) January 1, 2020
Thank you David Stern, the greatest commissioner of any professional sports ever. Thank you for what you've done for the game globally. May you Rest In Peace
— Nicolas Batum (@nicolas88batum) January 1, 2020
🕊Rest in Paridise!🕊 pic.twitter.com/EVqXHXPmia
— Andre Roberson (@FlyDre21) January 1, 2020
RIP David Stern, it was a honor to shake your hand on draft day https://t.co/3VU1hG5Kfs
— Tristan Thompson (@RealTristan13) January 1, 2020
Thank you for everything you did pic.twitter.com/pvRwvI5CBp
— Marco Belinelli (@marcobelinelli) January 1, 2020
Thank you for what you've done for the game globally. May you Rest In Peace 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/hABaB7Xt0A
— Bismack Biyombo (@bismackbiyombo) January 1, 2020
The NBA, owners, executives and teams also shared statements offering their condolences and celebrating the commissioner's accomplishments during his time with the league.
— NBA (@NBA) January 1, 2020
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert released the following statement: pic.twitter.com/ePwLIRfvzo
— WNBA (@WNBA) January 1, 2020
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman statement after the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/NM2bXz0tJa
— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) January 1, 2020
STATEMENT FROM NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL ON THE PASSING OF FORMER NBA COMMISSIONER DAVID STERN: https://t.co/f5ApNztwTv
— NFL345 (@NFL345) January 1, 2020
My wife Willow Bay & I are deeply saddened by the loss of David Stern, who left an indelible mark on the sports industry & helped turn the NBA into a global cultural force. He was an integral part of our personal and professional lives. Our hearts are with his family & the NBA.
— Robert Iger (@RobertIger) January 1, 2020
Statement from ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Sternhttps://t.co/v23znFXjIl pic.twitter.com/xVviEev98h
— ESPN PR (@ESPNPR) January 1, 2020
R.I.P commisioner David Stern.
— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) 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
Giant. G.O.A.T. Friend - Best leader in sports history - We mourn David Stern - Our thoughts & prayers go out to his family - A moment of silence in homage at tonight's game but in our hearts & daily operations, in the NBA, he is ubiquitous - He is & will be truly missed by all. https://t.co/Ayujt1RTxc
— Ted Leonsis (@TedLeonsis) January 1, 2020
David was a giant in sports and in life. I had the honor to work with him for more at Coke, TNT and currently with the Hawks. He will be sorely missed but never forgotten. RIP Commissioner. https://t.co/DWPFc2A7Yv
— Steve Koonin (@SteveKoonin) January 1, 2020
A statement from Celtics Governor Wyc Grousbeck and the Boston Celtics regarding the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern: https://t.co/Y09ptjztzN pic.twitter.com/l3BQnGxS6v
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) January 1, 2020
The Brooklyn Nets organization mourns the passing of our dear friend, mentor and former leader, NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. We extend our deepest condolences to David's wife Dianne, sons Andrew and Eric, and the entire Stern family. pic.twitter.com/LaspnZzMNZ
— Brooklyn Nets (@BrooklynNets) January 1, 2020
Hornets Chairman Michael Jordan today released the following statement on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern
— Charlotte Hornets (@hornets) January 1, 2020
🔗: https://t.co/3Tmrp3cv7T pic.twitter.com/YI9CyXkkW5
The following statement is from Chairman Jerry Reinsdorf on the passing of David Stern: pic.twitter.com/5dpnjPrd9F
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 1, 2020
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of David Stern's passing. His impact on the NBA cannot be measured and our thoughts are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/d6QZppHgfP
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) January 1, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the Stern family https://t.co/ydmWMnOgF4
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) January 1, 2020
— Warriors PR (@WarriorsPR) January 1, 2020
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) January 1, 2020
Sending thoughts and prayers to NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern's family during this time. pic.twitter.com/vjmtk1KemJ
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 1, 2020
The L.A. Clippers and #ClipperNation are saddened by the loss of David Stern, whose vision and leadership over his 30 years as @NBA commissioner transformed our sport into the game we love today.
— LA Clippers (@LAClippers) January 1, 2020
Our thoughts are with his family at this time.
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
The Memphis Grizzlies statement on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/lWQ7iLUcDb
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) January 1, 2020
The Milwaukee Bucks are grateful for Commissioner Emeritus Stern's fierce dedication to the league and passion for his love of the game. We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, Dianne, sons Andrew and Eric, and the entire Stern family.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 1, 2020
"Mr. Stern was a catalyst in professional basketball returning to New Orleans"
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 1, 2020
Statement from the New Orleans Pelicans: https://t.co/ABIWLmafFZ pic.twitter.com/2Mio8X1mdz
Statement from Thunder Chairman Clay Bennett on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. https://t.co/YvWd358gpg pic.twitter.com/C81xXOpsK0
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 1, 2020
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. Our thoughts and condolences go out to both the Stern and NBA families.
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) January 1, 2020
The Philadelphia 76ers statement on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/wRQBDtERSr
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 1, 2020
Our statement on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/89LzlEroa4
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) January 1, 2020
Today, the NBA lost a true trailblazer in Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. The league flourished under his leadership and vision. Our thoughts are with the Stern family. pic.twitter.com/ED0EaSZo20
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 1, 2020
Kings Statement on the Passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern pic.twitter.com/FSsnK0mXeY
— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) January 1, 2020
The Miller Family and the Utah Jazz issued the following statement today on the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David J. Stern: pic.twitter.com/CZtW2ou2z4
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 1, 2020