Miami Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra had nothing but good things to say about former NBA Commissioner David Stern as Stern recovers from a brain hemorrhage suffered last week.

Spoelstra cited Stern's efforts to make the NBA a global entity and infuse the sport with international talent.

Indeed, Stern was one of the most influential commissioners in the history of professional sports.

He understood that the NBA was peaking at the right time at the end of the 1980s and into the early-90s, and he capitalized on the growing popularity of the sport by creating the Dream Team at the Barcelona Olympics in 1992 — which is one of the most seminal moments in the history of the game.

The league expanded to 30 teams under Stern's leadership, and he helped orchestrate some of the most lucrative television deals in the history of sports. He also created the salary cap and collective-bargaining agreements. In short, modern players and executives owe just about everything to Stern.

Stern had emergency surgery following the hemorrhage, and he remains in serious condition. The NBA issued an official statement on Tuesday to announce the status of his health:

 “NBA Commissioner Emeritus David Stern remains in serious condition following emergency surgery to address a sudden brain hemorrhage on Thursday.  He is receiving great care and surrounded by his loved ones.  The Stern family and everyone at the NBA appreciate the incredible outpouring of support.  Our thoughts and prayers remain with David and his family.”

Prayers up for Stern and his family as he continues to battle.