NBA Commissioner David Stern announced Thursday that he will retire on February 1, 2014, 30 years to the day after taking charge of the league. He will be replaced by Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver.

Stern, who turned 70 last month, became commissioner on Feb. 1, 1984.

He has been the league's longest-serving commissioner, guiding the NBA through growth on a worldwide scale.

During his press conference, Stern said he decided on plans to retire about six months ago.

''I don't know what else to say other than to recite what I told the owners yesterday in executive session,'' Stern said. ''I told them that it's been a great run, it will continue for another 15 months, that the league is in, I think, terrific condition.''

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