Speaking at Thursday’s team practice in Houston, Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni expressed sadness at the death of David Stern, who was commissioner of the NBA from 1984 until 2014.
Stern suffered a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 12 and underwent emergency brain surgery in the aftermath. Three weeks later, he died Wednesday at 77 years old. Stern’s wife and family were with him at his bedside, according to a statement from the league office.
D’Antoni is a dual citizen of the United States and Italy, making him the first Italian to lead an NBA team. In his comments Thursday, D’Antoni made it clear that he views Stern as a driving force behind the league’s global reach. When asked about Stern’s passing, D’Antoni said:
It’s a very sad day, obviously. [Stern] meant so much to the league. It’s hard to, in a few soundbites, to be able to say how much he means. He was just a force of nature.
The biggest thing that relates to me is how he was involved in the international game early. He really opened up international markets, and being able to play the Olympics the way we do it. … Bringing so many players over from Europe and opening that market up. There’s a whole laundry list of things that he’s done that have impacted our league that won’t ever be forgotten.
Mike D’Antoni reflects on David Stern’s life and impact. pic.twitter.com/2hhG98dFQI
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIkoNBA) January 2, 2020
A day earlier, Rockets superstar James Harden posted a personal note of appreciation regarding Stern to his Instagram account.
Harden, D’Antoni, and the rest of the Rockets (23-11) return to game action Friday night at home versus the Philadelphia 76ers (23-13).
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