One of the most respected men in the history of the NBA, with the most important job in the game, has decided to retire and pass his torchto…?

NBA commissioner David Stern made a huge impact on the game of basketball and has paved the way for better playing opportunities by making new rules and setting boundaries.

I used to be one of the few people who wondered who the old grey-haired guy was, and why he was able to sit first row on the court or pass out the game trophy at the NBA Finals.

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I wondered about his job title, and I was dying to find out who he exactly was, and why I couldn’t be him.

When I first found out he was a commissioner and what a commissioner does, I definitely thought this was the best job on the planet. Who wouldn’t want to get to know professional basketball players and have the chance to suspend them whenever they did something stupid?

Personally, I think I would be a great fit for the job.

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If I was in his position during the crazy Metta World Peace brawl, where Ron Artest charged at a fan in the stands, I probably wouldn’t have suspended him for 72 games. All I would’ve done was set him up with a therapist for his anger, and send him on his way.

Stern has so much power he even gets to tell players what they can and cannot wear. As an aspiring fashionista, I would love that job! While I can agree with Stern’s no chains, T-shirts, sunglasses, sleeveless shirts, headgear or headphones rule during public appearances, I probably would’ve added high- pants and dull colored shirts to the list like he did.

Stern has had the chance to set a positive image for the NBA through a program he helped launch called NBA cares. This allows players have the chance to show how much they care about their fans and the youth by spending time with them or contributing money. This has helped athletes show their respect and love for health, education, and communities and also alleviate the party animal stereotype associated with the NBA.

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I can agree with many of Stern’s

NBA decisions, but I can’t seem to get over these ridiculous name changes. For instance, the New Orleans Hornets to the New Orleans Pelicans. Seriously, how doyougofromaHornettoa Pelican? And why can’t we just start naming teams after other things besides weird-looking animals? This has to stop. And if I were to be Stern’s replacement all of the silly bird, dog, and other names would go out the window.

Crazy names aside, Stern made some really great changes in the 30 years he was in charge. Although I am pretty awesome and would love to take the job, Stern has set the bar high for the next NBA commissioner and for all sports commissioners in general.

He has even paved the way for minorities to have higher positions through the professional league. When Stern became commissioner in 1984, many women and blacks didn’t have those types of jobs, but Stern still hired them.

He has helped create more NBA teams and more WNBA teams to expand the professional league. At 70 years old, he can say he has impacted the sport of basketball in many ways. Plus, he can brag about his net worth being more

than 50 million dollars.

Although we may think there

are a million other people making up new rules and organizing NBA drafts, most of the work came from Stern. Although he doesn’t have to be, he is behind nearly everything that happens in the NBA.

Stern’s attitude and love for the game has made him one of the most honored people in basketball. He has turned the program around, and made opportunities for those who may have not had the chance before.

Although Stern is officially retired, he will be in charge of league operations for the next 15 months. While the position should have gone to me, deputy commissioner, Adam Silver, will step up and take over. I’m sure Silver will do a great job, but following in Stern’s footsteps will not be an easy feat.

The man who changed the game and dedicated himself to players, staff, and fans will definitely be missed. His greatness will surely be hard to follow.

Symone Woolridge can be reached at [email protected] on twitter @swoolridge_DE or ext. 536-3311 ext. 269