i just read the jordan thread and that reminded me of how much Stern has done for the league. Like him or not, you have to admit, no commissioner of any sport has tried this hard to promote the sport. he did it with an iron fist, but i think the result of NBA's popularity and what it is today is mostly his vision.
i don't give a damn about what david stern has done for the popularity of basketball. he still runs the sports like a dictator who invented the damn game...screw stern and your thread.
There's alot to hate about David Stern, mainly the charade that the refereeing system has degenerized into, but like it or not, he has absolutely stepped in and saved the NBA and is easily the best commissioner in sports. IMO, not so much for his marketing in the Golden Era, but for the way he stepped in and imposed the collective bargaining agreement after Garnett's $120 million extension. The league was headed towards disaster, and he stepped in and save the day. Now, rarely does a star leave his team in free agency, and the latest CBA has only taken greater steps to cementing that. Kudos to Stern. Even if he is in bed with Cuban.
