Remembering David Stern, 1942-2020

In addition to today's annual listing of notable players that passed away in 2019, we also commemorate the passing of David Stern on January 1, 2020.

You can find our list of Stern's most controversial moments as commissioner here.

16 prominent basketball people who passed away this year

An NCAA scoring champion, a coach in the "Greatest Game Ever Played," the original Sonics center, the inventor of the Dunk Contest, the Hall of Famer affectionately known as "Hondo," and the first player of color in NBA history are amongst the basketball people we lost in 2019.

16 prominent basketball people who passed away in 2018

An ABA co-founder, a 76ers Hall of Famer, the architect of "Showtime," a Celtics Finals MVP, and the first black NBA team captain were amongst those we lost in 2018.

Have a holly, jolly birthday

It's supposedly the worst birthday a kid could have (combined presents!), but these guys focused that childhood disappointment into a pro basketball future.