Did NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ever play basketball? What did he do before joining NBA?

Adam Silver is the fifth and current commissioner of the National Basketball Association (NBA). As the NBA’s commissioner since 2014, Adam Silver has earned a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking and effective sports executives in the world. He has steered the league through unprecedented challenges and opportunities, from the COVID-19 crisis to social justice initiatives to global growth and digital innovation. But before he took the helm of the NBA, did Silver ever lace up his sneakers and hit the hardwood himself?

Basketball has been in Silver’s blood since he was a kid. He grew up in Rye, New York, where he graduated from Rye High School in 1980. His father, Edward Silver, a lawyer and a Knicks season ticket holder, introduced him to the game and its legends, like Walt Frazier, Earl Monroe, and Willis Reed. Silver would often join his father at Madison Square Garden to cheer for the Knicks and learn from their greatness.

Silver also played basketball at Duke University from 1982 to 1986. He was part of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and studied political science. He was not a standout on the court, but he was a diehard fan of the team that won the NCAA title in 1986 under coach Mike Krzyzewski. Silver later said that his time at Duke taught him important skills about teamwork, leadership, and excellence.

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What did Adam Silver do before joining NBA?

Silver never dreamed of becoming a professional basketball player. He had other ambitions. He wanted to make a difference in the world. He worked as a legislative aide for a congressman from Oregon. He studied law at the University of Chicago. He joined a prestigious law firm in New York, where he handled complex cases involving antitrust, securities fraud, and intellectual property.

Then, in 1992, he got a call from David Stern, the commissioner of the NBA. Stern offered him a job as his special assistant. Silver accepted. He was intrigued by the opportunity to work in the sports industry, which he saw as a powerful platform for social change and global growth. He was also impressed by Stern’s vision and mentorship. Silver quickly proved himself as a valuable asset to the league office.

In 2014, Silver became the commissioner of the NBA after Stern retired. He inherited a league that was thriving economically and culturally but also faced new challenges and opportunities. Silver rose to the occasion. He showed his openness and innovation when he advocated for legalized betting and embraced new technologies. He showed his compassion and empathy when he supported the players’ efforts to fight for social justice and mental health awareness.

Adam Silver may not have been a basketball star on the court, but he has certainly been a basketball star off the court as the commissioner of the NBA.

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