David Stern dies at 77

January 1, 2020

by Grey Papke

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David Stern

Former NBA commissioner David Stern has died.

Stern died at 77 roughly three weeks after being hospitalized for a brain hemorrhage.

Current commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement paying tribute to his predecessor.

Full statement from the league office on the passing of David Stern … pic.twitter.com/c0aqapqsLL

— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 1, 2020

Stern underwent emergency surgery after collapsing at a restaurant on Dec. 12, but it was not enough to save his life.

The ex-commissioner served in the role from 1984 to 2014 and essentially oversaw the growth of the modern NBA after succeeding Larry O’Brien in the role. He has been credited with increasing the league’s popularity, and is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame.