In the wake of his passing on the first day of 2020, there have been a lot of reflections about David Stern. Many of them personal, with anecdotes about how personable and helpful he could be. Others also personal, with details about how some of the less positive aspects of his personality and approach will shape the enduring memory of him.
I never met the late NBA Commissioner. I have no memories of him from time spent in his office or a media scrum or on the phone with him. I was never given a tip that helped me write a story nor was I ever dressed-down by him in public.