Thursday marked the 30th and final NBA Draft that David Stern has worked as league commissioner, as Stern will be stepping down from the commish’s office this February. After getting booed by fans at the Barclay’s Center all night, Stern was given a nice ovation by the crowd as he announced the final draft pick of his tenure.
Immediately following the pick, Stern was greeted by deputy commissioner and commissioner-to-be, Adam Silver (who was immediately booed by fans as well), and a special guest – Hakeem Olajuwon.
Hakeem “The Dream” was the first ever draft pick to come out of Stern’s mouth as commissioner 30 years ago, as he was selected by the Houston Rockets with the top pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. It was a pretty special and touching moment, made even cooler by the fact that Olajuwon was wearing the same exact suit that he wore when he was drafted three decades ago.
About Pete Blackburn