The Life of David Stern Through Photos

By Blake Ramey
January 13, 2020

The New York Knicks take a moment of silence to honor David Stern prior to a game in early January at Madison Square Garden. Stern passed away on January 1, 2020 after complications from a hemorrhagic stroke.
Photo via @nyknicks on Twitter

 

After growing up in New Jersey, Stern attended nearby Rutgers University in 1959. Stern was the NBA commissioner 1984-2014. 
via @NoirJersey on Twitter

 

Stern attended law school at Columbia University and received his degree in 1966. Afterwards, he joined the NBA as legal counsel.
via @ColumbiaLaw on Twitter
Stern at the 1984 draft with Houston Rockets’ legend, Hakeem Olajuwon, after he was drafted by the Houston Rockets. The ’84 draft was his first as commissioner. 
via @MikeBeauvais on Twitter
Stern with two NBA legends, Hakeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie, on draft night in 1984.
via @Super70sSports on Twitter
Stern was embroiled in several scandals during his long career. He was accused of rigging the draft lottery in 1985 to fix the draft order. Nothing was ever proven.
Photo via @SInow on Twitter
@NBA_Africa on Twitter
Stern with South African political leader Nelson Mandela as they work to connect the National Basketball Association (NBA) to Africa more. One of the hallmarks of Stern’s time as commissioner is the growth of the NBA internationally. 
via @NBA_Africa on Twitter

 

Stern gives South African political leader Nelson Mandela NBA gear as a gift in 1993.
via @Fuhrmyboy on Twitter
Stern giving NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan the NBA MVP award in 1996.
via @timelesssports_
via @ComplexSports on Twitter
During the 2011 offseason, David Stern made one of the most controversial decisions in NBA history when he vetoed a blockbuster trade that would have sent superstar PG Chris Paul to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Photo via @ComplexSports on Twitter
David Stern photographed with future NBA Hall of Famer Carmelo Anthony while doing philanthropy work for the NBA Cares program.
via @nyknicks on Twitter
@NBA on Twitter
In 2013 Stern announced he was stepping down from his role as the NBA Commissioner and announced Adam Silver was his successor. Stern is still the commissioner to this day.
via @NBA on Twitter
Stern was honored with a street named after him in Sacramento, California. Stern officially retired as the NBA commissioner on  January 31, 2014.
Photo via @James_HamNBCS
Stern alongside former President Barack Obama and NBA Hall of Famer Michael Jordan. This is the photo Obama posted on Twitter to honor Stern’s legacy.
via @BarackObama on Twitter
Well known reporter Darren Rovell recalled a fond memory of David Stern sharing an autographed ball with a personal message. 
via @DarrenRovell on Twitter