Fleisher played a pivotal role in the 1964 All-Star strike, the 1970 Robertson lawsuit, and the 1976 ABA-NBA merger. He was also a well-known agent in the League.
Stern, who was 12 years younger than Fleisher, was the only one in the League who could match Fleisher in legal experience, physical stamina, and cunning.
Someone knocked on the office door, and without looking up, Stern just said, "Come in."
"David, stop working. Let's watch a game together."
It was the voice of Commissioner Larry O'Brien.
Stern looked up quickly and asked, "What game? Today is March 1st; there are no League games."
"The League isn't all there is to basketball. Come on, let's watch it together. I watched the first half, and it's very interesting. Call Granik and Beteman, tell them to turn on their TVs too. The more people watching, the better."
Stern hastily put down his work and followed Larry O'Brien out of the office.
