RIP Stern, you along with Magic and Bird got the ball rolling then Jordan took

[theking]

..it a step up which made the NBA a global powerhouse:

Former NBA commissioner David Stern dies at 77

David Stern, the NBA commissioner during the most successful period in league history, has died, the league announced Wednesday. He was 77.

With Stern guiding the league, and with superstars Larry Bird, Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson wowing crowds, the NBA became global brand.
Stern's death Wednesday brought a flood of tributes from NBA greats and others influenced by Stern the commissioner and Stern the man.

Here is a sampling of the reaction:
Bill Russell, an 11-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, tweeted:
"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"