David Stern had retired as NBA commissioner in 2014, had given the keys to Adam Silver, and yet his power within the league’s owners as an advisor or a sounding board for Silver continued. He was gone from the NBA in an official capacity, but not forgotten.



Those are the same feelings being heard around the league as it mourns the loss of Stern, who passed away Wednesday after suffering a brain hemorrhage on Dec. 12. There have been many touching, fitting pieces about Stern this week at The Athletic and in other outlets. He was an icon, a revolutionary. Most players have come out speaking out about their dream as a kid being shaking Stern’s hand while walking across the NBA draft stage. Coaches, front office officials and league office executives have talked about how Stern made the NBA what the NBA is today.



Up until very recently, Stern had wielded great power over the NBA’s owners, even as a silent partner for league- or business-related...