NBA World Thanks David Stern

David Stern called it quits today.

Over 30 years and billions of dollars later, it’s hard to deny the impact he had on the NBA.

Stern grew the league to new heights. When he became commissioner in 1984, annual revenue of the league was $165 million, today it’s more than $5.5 billion. When he started, the average player salary was a mere $290,000, currently it’s $5.15 million.

He had help along the way. Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James don’t exactly hurt the business. But of course, there were still obstacles he had to face.

During his tenure there were four lockouts, six franchise relocations, and millions of dollars in questionable fines handed out to players, coaches and executives around the league.

As of Feb. 1, the Stern era is no longer. The basketballs that read “David Stern” will be replaced and new commissioner Adam Silver will take over.

Maybe it was time for a change.

Stern is hated in Seattle, loved in Oklahoma, respected in New Orleans, and booed at every NBA draft. But each year the league keeps growing and he was a major reason why.

Hate him or love him, this man grew our great game to unimaginable levels.

At the very least, we owe him a thank you.

Folks from around the NBA world chimed in on the retirement and gave their well wishes to Stern.

Thank you for all you’ve done for our league RT @NBA: It’s official: Adam Silver succeeds David Stern #NBA Commish pic.twitter.com/WT1v9aSfVu

— David Robinson (@DavidtheAdmiral) February 1, 2014

Great job by Ernie Johnson & @NBATV for David Stern: 30 Years.

— Micky Arison (@MickyArison) February 1, 2014

A new era has begun! I tip my cap to David Stern“@BleacherReport: #NBA game balls featuring Adam Silver’s signature. pic.twitter.com/gDToNs61Mr”

— Greg Anthony (@GregAnthony50) February 1, 2014

This is what friends are for. David Stern I will never forget this moment! #92AllStarGame pic.twitter.com/jAN6tRGsXV

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) January 31, 2014