Former NBA Commissioner David Stern died at the age of 77, as a result of brain hemorrhage he suffered about three weeks ago, announced the league in a statement on Wednesday.

Stern was hospitalized on December 12, 2019 and underwent emergency surgery. His wife Dianne and their family were with him by the bedside.

"Every member of the NBA family is the beneficiary of David's vision, generosity and inspiration. Our deepest condolences go out to David's wife, Dianne, their sons, Andrew and Eric, and their extended family, and we share our grief with everyone whose life was touched by him," said current NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in the statement.

Thank you, David, for bringing NBA and China to each other

Back in 1989, Stern came to the building of China's national broadcaster, CCTV, with a box of videotapes of the NBA games. Though this is a popular story, his contribution to bringing the NBA and China together started four years before that.

In September, 1985, China's men's national basketball team arrived in the U.S. and were about to start a month-long trip of training sessions and friendly games. As NBA commissioner, Stern hosted a press conference with the theme of an NBA-China friendship trip. In the following 30 days, the Chinese team played games with six different NBA teams.

That was the first time for Chinese players to learn up close the difference between the world's best basketball players and themselves. Stern's invitation, like a key, opened the door to world of basketball for China's national team.

Since then, it has become a tradition for the team to attend the NBA Summer League as part of their training program.

On June 26, 2002, at the Theater of Madison Square Garden, Stern announced the Houston Rockets' first pick in the NBA Draft: "The Houston Rockets selected Yao Ming from Shanghai, China and Shanghai Sharks." That moment cemented the cooperation between the league and China. 

Two years later, Yao and Stern attended the press conference held by the NBA, the Shanghai Administration of Sports, and the NBA funder Disney in Los Angeles to announce the launch of NBA China Game. On October 14 and 17 of the same year, the first two games took place in Beijing and Shanghai.

For the first time, Chinese fans were able to watch real NBA games in person without going overseas. Years later, when Stern recalled the cheers he heard for Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady in the arena in the first NBA China Game, he called it a wise move of choosing Yao because the excitement back then reminded Stern of the Beatles' concert.

Since then, there have been a total of 17 NBA teams who have played in the China Game, giving Chinese fans access to Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Stephen Curry and other super stars.

NBA will always remember him

"The game changed in so many ways under David Stern's leadership and vision. He demanded the best of everyone because he gave it himself. #Respect Thank you Commissioner. RIP," wrote Bryant on Twitter after Stern's passing.

"Today the #NBAFamily lost a legend, a leader that changed our game for the better. A father, a husband, a friend. RIP #DavidStern, you will forever be missed," wrote Pau Gasol.

"(His death) is too early for me, man. Prior to 2012, I never talked to David unless I was in the NBA office. After that we started to talk once or twice per year in emails, it was cool to develop some of type of relationship with someone you've been through and some business differences with," said Metta World Peace.

"Without David Stern, the NBA would not be what it is today. He guided the league through turbulent times and grew the league into an international phenomenon, creating opportunities that few could have imagined before. His vision and leadership provided me with the global stage that allowed me to succeed. David had a deep love for the game of basketball and demanded excellence from those around him – and I admired him for that. I wouldn't be where I am without him. I offer my deepest sympathies to Dianne and his family," said Michael Jordan in a statement.

"Very sad day for basketball. We saw David Stern a lot in the 90s and I found him to be kind, thoughtful and almost always the smartest person in the room. He was an innovator who helped grow our sport into a global game and his impact will never be forgotten. RIP, Commissioner," posted Scottie Pippen.

"I can not put into words what the friendship of David Stern has meant to me but many others. He changed so many lives. David was a great innovator and made the game we love what it is today. This is a horrible loss. Our hearts are with Dianne & their family. RIP my friend," wrote Bill Russell.

"He fought for the game of basketball. He had a style about him, he had a passion, but he had a vision that this league could really transcend. It could reach all people. It could become a global game," said Grant Hill.

"It was bittersweet. The bitter part of it is we lost a great visionary,” James said of Stern's passing. “I think him and Dr. James Naismith are two of the most important people for the game of basketball. Obviously, Dr. Naismith because he created the game. David – his vision, his vision to make this game global," said LeBron James.

"RIP David Stern! Shaking your hand on June, 26, 2003 was a dream come true," posted Dwyane Wade.

"RIP Mr. David Stern The best commissioner to ever do it," posted Shaquille O'Neal.

"First of all, rest in peace. For him as a person, we all know what he created for our game, and he is the reason why the game is so global. I think his vision doesn't get enough credit. People all over the world are watching NBA basketball," said Carmelo Anthony.

"For 30 years as NBA Commissioner, David grew the NBA to become one of the most popular leagues in the world with his revolutionary ideas. He took the NBA Finals from tape delay to live games & then began every Sunday on CBS highlighting Larry Bird's Celtics & my Showtime Lakers," posted Magic Johnson.

"Will never forget the words you spoke this day! 'With the 7th pick' changed my life forever. Thank you and your family for your leadership and commitment to growing the game of basketball around the World. Forever grateful. RIP Commisoner Stern!" posted Stephen Curry.