David+Stern

= David Stern: __The__ Commissioner = =

= Prior to the late 1980's, the NBA was a complete disaster. Among a plethora of problems, the most concerning was the company's image problem. As said best by Charles Barkley, "Back in the day it was like, 'We got a bunch of young black guys making a good living and smoking pot." (Buckley) That was the NBA's image and it was nearly impossible to market. Attendance at games were dropping and there was little capital being gained from the merchandise. It almost seemed as the NBA was headed for bankruptcy until 1984. A long time employee and then current Executive Vice President named David Stern was promoted to the Commissioner of the NBA after the resignation of Larry O'Brien. For Stern, it seemed that there was no other way for the company except for up. He was given the task of making the NBA a marketable and successful brand.

The year Stern became the commissioner is commonly thought as the year the landscape of the NBA changed. In addition to a new Commissioner, the 1984 NBA draft is considered the greatest draft class of all time. His next act was to attacked the drug problem within the league. He implemented the first drug test in the sport's history. Stern then tackled the salary cap problem. He put a strict salary cap for all teams, which resulted in a more even playing field for all teams to sign an all star. These innovations changed the game of basketball. The other innovation Stern is credited for during his tenure as the NBA Commissioner includes the addition of seven teams, the relocation of six teams, the “Dress Code”, the creation of the @Dream Team, and the expansion of the brand into different countries.

Buckley, Zach. __The Unmachable Legacy of David Stern__. 4 September 2013. 15 November 2013 . Hirsch, Allen. __David Stern__. 17 December 2011. 15 November 2013 .