Marc Stein is reporting that David Stern will end his 30 year reign as NBA Commissioner on February 1, 2014. Adam Silver, Stern's deputy commissioner will move into the top spot as Commissioner on that date. The move was unanimously approved by the Board of Governors.

It seems a bit odd to me that he is stepping down in the middle of an NBA season. Certainly, since he is planning his retirement, he could step down after the season is over. I know that there won't be much change in policy since his mini-me is stepping into his place, but it still seems a bit odd to leave in the middle of a season.

I feel like maybe I should throw a party or something. Yes, the league has grown considerably under Stern's leadership, but so have the controversies and the referees have gotten considerably worse.  I would celebrate his stepping down except for the fact that I think he has groomed his successor to be just like him. I'm sure he will cite "basketball reasons" as his reason for stepping down.

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