By By The Associated Press

Reaction from the basketball world and beyond to the death of former NBA Commissioner David Stern on Wednesday at age 77:

“Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it is today. He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon, creating opportunities that few could have imagined before. His vision and leadership provided me with the global stage that allowed me to succeed. David had a deep love for the game of basketball and demanded excellence from those around him — and I admired him for that.”

— Michael Jordan.

“There are no words that can really describe the far-reaching impact of Commissioner Stern’s brilliance, vision, fairness and hard work over so many years. When you think of all that he accomplished worldwide on behalf of thousands of players, so many fans, all of the jobs he created for team and arena employees and all of the people that benefitted from the many layers of growth in the sport and industry that David spearheaded and then passed on to others, there is no doubt Commissioner Stern lifted the NBA to new heights and he will be greatly missed by all of us.”

— Larry Bird.

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“Will never forget the words you spoke this day! ‘With the 7th pick’ changed my life forever. Thank you and your family for your leadership and commitment to growing the game of basketball around the World. Forever grateful. RIP Commissioner Stern!”

— Golden State guard

Stephen Curry.

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“The game lost a leader today.”

— Oklahoma City guard Chris Paul, president of the National Basketball Players Association.

The Associated Press