NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently picked Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan as the Greatest NBA Player of All Time. The 62-year-old has never played professional basketball but has been a significant part of the league since 2006. The Rye native served as the league’s Deputy Commissioner from July 1, 2006, to February 1, 2014. Silver’s career as an executive in pro basketball might not have been what he planned to do in his professional life. but he did well for himself.
Silver attended Duke University for a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in political science in 1984 and the University of Chicago for a Juris Doctor (JD) in 1988. The lawyer-turned-executive worked as a law clerk for Judge Kimba Wood of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York for one year before becoming an associate for Cravath, Swaine, & Moore as an associate and later transitioning to executive roles.
Adam Silver’s Career
Silver’s career had twists and turns since 1988, but he ultimately ended up in the NBA — and has been enjoying success in one of the longest tenures in the NBA’s history of Commissioners. Silver was appointed the NBA Commissioner on February 1, 2014, and has been presiding over the league, which was built around five pro sports leagues: the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, and Basketball Africa League.
Silver has been a massive part of the NBA’s signature achievements, including the development of the WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League, and Basketball Africa League. He was recognized by the Sports Business Journal as its Executive of the Decade and has been ranked No. 1 on its annual list of the 50 Most Influential People in the Sports Business. He was also named to TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, Fortune’s 50 Greatest Leaders, and The Bloomberg 50. In addition, he was named Sports Executive of the Year by Sports Illustrated.
Adam Silver’s Pick
Despite often avoiding controversy, NBA Commissioner Silver is best known for his leadership of one of the most popular sports leagues in North America. He is quite popular, but his latest take might put him in hot water with NBA fans. Silver’s take stirred the pot in a constant debate about which NBA player is the greatest of all time. Given that he has a good, if not great, relationship with Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James.
When recently asked for his GOAT pick, Silver said with a smile, “Michael Jordan, and don’t tell LeBron (James) I said that.” The Duke and Chicago alum can change his mind about Jordan in the future but for now, the thought hasn’t changed. The NBA fans, whether for the Lakers, Chicago Bulls, or another team, are entitled to their thoughts should they choose to discuss this debate.
Adam Silver’s Sarcasm
Silver recently told the general public that Michael Jordan was his pick for the greatest NBA player of all time debate, which might’ve been a surprise for most, if not all, NBA fans. Silver could’ve picked LeBron James, but he didn’t — and he’s entitled to his opinion in this highly-contested debate. The former lawyer appeared to not hesitate when answering the question, which could be interpreted in more ways than one. The former lawyer’s reaction and response seemed to be a glimpse of sarcasm, which made for a good laugh if one needed a joyous moment today.
Silver’s GOAT pick was rather unexpected but perfectly understandable. Even if one didn’t grow up watching Jordan play, one’s respect would go to “Air Jordan” for his six NBA championships, six NBA Finals MVPs, five NBA MVPs, and 14 NBA All-Stars. Jordan’s signature sneakers, the Air Jordans, are loved by sneaker fanatics around the world. James has a similar businessman aura around him, but Jordan might have a slight edge due to his accolades.
Closing Thoughts
One might not agree with Silver’s decisions for the NBA, including the frequent opposition of the league adding additional teams. However, Silver’s increasing of the league’s overall value, experimenting with new ideas (i.e. streaming parts of games on social media), and creating basketball development programs overseas could make him a good, if not great, Commissioner.
