Did NBA Commissioner Adam Silver ever play basketball?
KARTHIC SUBRAMANIAN
Adam Silver, NBA's fifth commissioner since 2014, is renowned worldwide for his innovative and efficient sports management skills.
Although not a player or coach, Silver's love for basketball is evident as he describes his rise to one of sports' most influential roles, leveraging his legal and business background.
Silver's passion for basketball dates back to his childhood in Rye, NY. His father, a Knicks ticket holder, exposed him to the sport's icons, including Frazier, Monroe, and Reed.
Silver studied political science, played basketball at Duke from '82 to '86, learned about teamwork, leadership, and excellence, and credited Duke with shaping his career.
Beyond basketball, Silver aimed to make a difference. He studied law at Chicago, worked as a legislative aide, and handled complex cases at a prestigious NY firm.
In 1992, David Stern offered Silver a job as special assistant in the NBA. Sharing Stern's vision, Silver saw sports as a tool for change and excelled in his role.
Amidst COVID-19, social justice reform, and digital innovation, Silver led the NBA through obstacles and opportunities, paving the way for global expansion.