Sources: David Stern stepping down as NBA commissioner in 2014

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/nba--sources--david-stern-stepping-down-feb--1--2014-25361209.html

 

See ya Shorty.

 

So what will Stern's legacy be?

 

And yet, Gary Bettman continues to thrive. Sigh.

 

Frozen envelopes and a certain Game 6.

 

I'm guessing you're talking about Game 6 of the 2002 WCF but it took me time to figure that out and I'm someone who's watched that game probably two dozen times. I don't think it's something the average fan -- or nonaverage, I suppose -- is going to think of. And if they do, I don't think it's in a "Stern manipulated it," kind of way (I'd argue more people blame the 2006 Finals on Stern than the '02 WCF). But since I'm a Lakers fan and an anti-Stern-conspiracy guy, maybe the Kings-Lakers game has a bigger impact with people than I'm giving it credit for.

Obviously the final 15 years of his tenure took away from the first 15, and which commissioner could have blown it from '84-98 with Magic, Larry and Jordan? But I think he did a great job getting the league through some rough patches post-Jordan and right now it's in great shape. The Paul trade fiasco was also a huge hit to his legacy but overall I think he brought a lot of great things to the league.

 

Sources now saying that Isiah Thomas is being considered as a possible replacement.

 

"The details of my life are quite
inconsequential. ... Very well, where do I begin?"

 

First mob commissioner in American professional sports.

 

This. And let's not forget he inherited a mess from Larry O'Brien. League's reputation was a bunch of druggies.

 

This.

 

He'll be remembered for helping bring the league to the highest level, but he will definitely also be remembered for being in charge when some pretty shady shit happened.