Houston Rockets superstar James Harden took to Instagram to post a tribute note in remembrance of former NBA commissioner David Stern, who died Wednesday at 77 years old.
Stern suffered a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 12 and underwent emergency brain surgery in the aftermath. Stern’s wife and family were with him at his bedside, according to a statement from the NBA league office.
Harden, who was drafted by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first round of the 2009 NBA Draft, shared a photo of himself shaking Stern’s hand on draft night with the following message:
I remember when every young hooper’s dream was to have this moment with the commissioner. … Thank you for all you have done for the game. You were a true leader, visionary, and also a flat out game changer. The league wouldn’t be what it is today without you. The entire NBA family and fans around the world will miss you. … RIP David Stern.
Stern was commissioner of the NBA for 30 years, from February 1, 1984 through January 31, 2014.
Led by owner Tilman J. Fertitta, the Rockets also posted their own words of appreciation for Stern on the team’s social media accounts.
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David Stern, one of the best commissioners in all sports, turned the NBA into a billion-dollar, global behemoth with his vision that started with his genuine love of basketball:https://t.co/8Kq8CHoUZi
— Jeff Zillgitt (@JeffZillgitt) January 1, 2020