CLEVELAND — The basketball world is mourning the loss of longtime NBA Commissioner David Stern, who died Wednesday at the age of 77 weeks after suffering a brain hemorrhage.
Stern led the NBA for 30 years, and while he was not always admired by everyone he undoubtedly played a major role in taking a struggling league and turning it into a multi-billion dollar global enterprise. He was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014 (the year of his retirement), and held the title of commissioner emeritus at the time of his death.
"Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals—preparation, attention to detail, and hard work," Stern's successor as commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David's vision, generosity and inspiration."
One of the team's Stern oversaw throughout his entire tenure was, of course, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The club released the following statement after news of his passing became public:
"The entire Cavaliers organization, along with Cavs Chairman Dan Gilbert and his wife Jennifer and the Gilbert family, mourn the passing of NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. David was a visionary leader, business innovator and sports pioneer that established and grew the NBA into the global brand and platform for social engagement and impact that it has become today.
In Cleveland, David always worked hard to ensure strong stewardship and investment in the Cavaliers. We remain grateful for his care and support of Cleveland, Cavs fans and the Cavs franchise.
We join the NBA and the world’s entire sports community in grieving his loss, appreciating his life and spirit and reflecting on his many transformative accomplishments. We also honor and respect David’s amazing and impactful legacy that was created by his passion and dedication to the game of basketball and fans alike. His work transcended the game and business of basketball to impact millions of people around the world on a human level as well.
Our deepest condolences go out to David’s wife, Dianne, sons, Andrew and Eric and their extended family."
In particular, the nod to Stern's steadfast support of the Cavs stands out. Had it not been for Stern, the NBA may very well have left Northeast Ohio a long time ago.
In 1983, the team could only be described as a disaster. Owner Ted Stepien was hiring and firing coaches left and right, trading first-round draft picks over five consecutive years (forcing the NBA to create a rule preventing such tactics), and even expressed his belief that "no team should be all black." The Cavs averaged 60 losses per season, and were in danger of either moving to Toronto or possibly going bankrupt altogether. Something had to be done.
At the time, David Stern was the NBA's executive vice president under then-Commissioner Larry O'Brien. The league desperately wanted Stepien out, and began searching for someone to buy the Cavs from him.
Prior to the start of the 1983-84 season, Stern and then-Cavs general manager approached Cleveland businessman Gordon Gund about the prospect of he and his brother becoming the new owners. Gund was hesitant, so Stern decided to play hardball.
"He was a tough bargainer, I can tell you that," Stern said in a 2014 interview with CNBC. "He knew we didn't have much else going for us, so he struck the right bargain. But we both did very well."
Gund bought the Cavs for $20 million, and during the late 1980s helped usher in an era of success and popularity for the team that once seemed unimaginable. 22 years later, Gund would sell his majority stake in the club to Dan Gilbert for $375 million, and Forbes now estimates the franchise's worth at $1.3 billion.
Through it all, Gund and Stern remained close friends.
"I wouldn't have gotten into the NBA if it hadn't been for David Stern," Gund said in the same CNBC interview. "He twisted my arm really hard."
The near-end of Gund's ownership saw the drafting of Akron native LeBron James, which (even with two departures from Cleveland) led to an unprecedented era for the Cavs that culminated in the franchise's first-ever NBA championship in 2016. As commissioner, Stern announced James' name on that draft night, and the NBA legend paid his respects Wednesday on Facebook.
Other current and former Cavs reacted to Stern's death as well:
Funeral arrangements for Stern have not yet been announced. He is survived by his wife Dianne and their two sons.
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