David Stern, NBA Commissioner Instrumental In Keeping Kings In Sacramento, Dies At 77
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) – The former NBA commissioner who helped keep the Kings in Sacramento has passed away.
David Stern suffered a brain hemorrhage three weeks ago that required emergency surgery.
On Wednesday, the NBA announced that Stern had died. His wife, Dianne, and their family were at Stern's bedside.
"Like every NBA legend, David had extraordinary talents, but with him it was always about the fundamentals – preparation, attention to detail, and hard work," said current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement on Stern's passing.
For his part in helping Sacramento keep the Kings, the team honored Stern by making the address of the new Golden 1 Center 500 David J. Stern Walk.
Former Sacramento mayor and NBA all-star Kevin Johnson had this to say about Stern's passing:
"Commissioner Stern entered my life in 1987 when he called my name at the NBA Draft and made the wildest dreams of a poor kid from Oak Park come true. He remained an enduring force throughout the next three decades of my career as a NBA player, entrepreneur, Mayor, and above all, Sacramentan. The Commissioner forever changed our community twice: first by accepting us into the exclusive club of NBA cities, and then by honoring our hard-earned right to stay there. And as profound as his impact was on Sacramento, we are one of countless communities across this country and world that are better for his leadership. My greatest condolences to his wife Dianne and his entire family. His legacy will endure for many, many years to come."
"David will always be remembered as Superman in Sacramento," said Kings owner Vivek Ranadive in a statement on Stern's passing. "His impact on the league will leave a lasting imprint around the world and his fierce support of the team and this community is the reason why the Kings stayed in Sacramento."
Stern served as NBA Commissioner from 1984 to 2014.
Figures from around the league also offered tributes, noting how Stern helped usher in the NBA's emergence into a global powerhouse.
"It was David Stern who took this league worldwide," said retired NBA star Magic Johnson.
Stern was 77 years old.