Bill Russell, Dwyane Wade, NBA Players Pay Tribute to David Stern on Social Media

Former NBA commissioner David Stern, who led the league for a record 30 seasons, died on Thursday after suffering a brain hemorrhage three weeks earlier.

Stern, 77, was very influential in the NBA's growth and global expansion. During his tenure, the NBA added seven franchises, the WNBA and the D-League (now G League).

Many current and former players paid tribute to Stern on social media and shared what he meant to them and the league.

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

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

Today the #NBAFamily lost a legend, a leader that changed our game for the better. A father, a husband, a friend.

RIP #DavidStern, you will forever be missed. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/0dColRyTOT
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) January 1, 2020

Steve Kerr on the legacy of Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. pic.twitter.com/kUWpEbfBr2
— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) 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

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

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 Mr David Stern
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) January 1, 2020

Prayers up for David Stern and his family!

Rest In Peace 🙏 pic.twitter.com/iCM8e5iL9n
— Enes Kanter FREEDOM (@EnesFreedom) January 1, 2020

In a series of tweets, Magic Johnson discussed Stern's impact on the league and his career.

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

For 30 years as NBA Commissioner, David grew the NBA to become one of the most popular leagues in the world with his revolutionary ideas. He took the NBA Finals from tape delay to live games & then began every Sunday on CBS highlighting Larry Bird’s Celtics & my Showtime Lakers.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

David Stern was such a history maker. When I announced in 1991 I had HIV, people thought they could get the virus from shaking my hand. When David allowed me to play in the 1992 All Star Game in Orlando and then play for the Olympic Dream Team, we were able to change the world.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

I remember one of my meetings with David in his NYC office working with him to improve the overall NBA and All Star Weekend. It was very special that he asked me and we were able to collaborate and make improvements.
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

Cookie and I are praying for the Stern family, his lovely wife Dianne and sons Eric and Andrew. May God comfort you during this time. Our hearts go out to you!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/ywq7bQHBNF
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 1, 2020

Michael Jordan released a statement to The Athletic's Shams Charania to express his admiration for Stern.

NBA legend and Hornets owner Michael Jordan’s statement to @TheAthletic @Stadium on death of iconic NBA commissioner David Stern: pic.twitter.com/0MZUiB4pRh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 1, 2020

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