10 Most Important Ways David Stern Changed The NBA

3. Social Standing And Interaction

A major focus from Stern was how the league was perceived and how it affected change in the community. From the outset he made it a clear mission that he was going to strive to develop multiple programs and initiatives that would connect the stars on his parquet floor to the child with starry-eyed hoop dreams hoisting shots in their driveway. He was unwavering in his belief that while the NBA had teams and players that deserved to profit, that it was equally imperative that the fan base should profit in their own way, and this was one way to ensure that.

The NBA Cares Program was born. An initiative that continues to see players and other NBA staff out in the community - with fan events, basketball camps for boys and girls, coaching clinics, food drives and other corporate outings - it’s been a pioneering force that has since seen other sports leagues follow suit, a real driving force in spawning countless other charitable works elsewhere.

But wait! There’s more!... Stern was not one to rest on his laurels, and he made sure this was only the beginning. Currently the NBA (and the Women’s National Basketball Association) work as spearheads for multiple programs; NBA Fit, NBA Math Hoops, NBA/WNBA Community Assist Awards, NBA Green, NBA Voices and NBA: Mind Health. That’s some list, which serves only to illuminate the philanthropic nature Stern was able to utilise throughout his career.