NEW YORK -- For the past several years, with words and actions, David Stern had laid the groundwork for his departure from the job he's controlled and defined since 1984. He formalized it Thursday, announcing his intention to step down as the longest-tenured commissioner in professional sports.
During the NBA's Board of Governors meetings in midtown Manhattan, Stern advised the league's owners of his intention to retire on Feb. 1, 2014, the 30-year anniversary of his taking the job. In doing so, Stern, who turned 70 last month, has stayed very much in the character he's developed during those three decades.
Even though the NBA thrived with David Stern as commissioner, he was often caught in power struggles, J.A. Adande writes. Story
Adam Silver has long been the executive who knows how all the pieces fit together in the day-to-day business of the NBA, writes Henry Abbott. Blog
He made it clear he will remain in charge of league operations for the next 15 months, mentioning that arrangement several times, and making sure his hand-picked successor will be installed. The owners said they will begin negotiating with deputy commissioner Adam Silver to take over for Stern -- a decision they came to unanimously -- when those 15 months end. The plan is for Silver's appointment to be ratified at next April's board of governors meeting.
"It's been a great run. The league is in, I think, terrific condition," Stern said. "I'd like to think I did an adequate job. But one of the things I did best was provide a successor. I'm not going anyplace in the next 15 months, but this gives us the opportunity to have a very smooth transition."
