Basketball world pays homage to face of NBA

He was the engine of the NBA for three decades. David Stern, 77, died on Wednesday January 1 of a brain hemorrhage. A death that leaves the North American basketball league, behemoth of "sports entertainment", orphan of the man who gave him life again when it collapsed in the early 1980s. His disappearance very logically led to hundreds of tributes throughout the world of basketball, which mourns the businessman, the visionary, the reformer, but also more simply the individual.

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The official NBA Twitter account immediately paid tribute to the "extraordinary talents" of a man known for his "attention to detail" and his "work force", words chosen by the current "commissioner" - the president - of the League, Adam Silver. In the process, the biggest stars in the history of the sport took turns to maintain his memory, like Michael Jordan, who warmly thanked the man who "opened the doors to success". Here are some of the main reactions published in recent hours.

NBA legend and Hornets owner Michael Jordan's statement to @TheAthletic @Stadium on death of iconic NBA commissioner David Stern: pic.twitter.com/0MZUiB4pRh

RIP Mr David Stern
The best commissioner to ever do it. pic.twitter.com/SgO0hMX3Ia

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.

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

The game changed in so many ways under David Stern's leadership and vision. He demanded the best of everyone because he gave it himself. #Respect Thank you Commissioner. RIP 🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/veT9GQfrdC

Will never forget the words you spoke this day! "With the 7th pick" changed my life forever. Thank you and your family for your leadership and commitment to growing the game of basketball around the World. Forever grateful. RIP Commisoner Stern! pic.twitter.com/o7S4IT54NQ

RIP David Stern🙏🏾! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ZCT7naJPcU

Rest In Peace #DavidStern 🙏🏻
You will be missed immensely. #NBAfamily #grateful pic.twitter.com/aj66UALo1J

Thank you David Stern, the greatest commissioner of any professional sports ever. Thank you for what you've done for the game globally. May you Rest In Peace

A pioneer who changed the game forever.

A giant who never failed to Dream Big.

A man who helped put basketball on the map in Canada.

We extend our thoughts & prayers to the Stern family. pic.twitter.com/sLNBNAqPhr

We lost an icon of our sport today with the passing of Commissioner Emeritus David Stern. David was a visionary and innovator in every sense of the language, and the success of our league today is a reflection of his leadership.

We extend our thoughts & prayers to his family. pic.twitter.com/qk7NvRvdmH

The Lakers Organization is mourning the passing of former NBA Commissioner David Stern, whose unprecedented vision and tireless spirit made the game what it is today. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his wife, Dianne, and his family. pic.twitter.com/xY5rcoyJIQ

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