NBA Commissioner David Stern was in town for Game 2 of the 76ers-New Orleans Hornets Playoffs series. Prior to the game, he had an informal session with the media. Read what he had to say.

photo courtesy of Jesse D Garrabrant NBAE/Getty Images

On being in Philadelphia for Game 2 of the Sixers-Hornets Series
“I love coming here. (76ers Executive Vice President) Dave Coskey isn’t even here, and he has one of the best game presentations in the league, it’s always energetic. We’re coming off a pretty great opening weekend. The post-Michael Jordan era has begun in earnest, and we have a number of great stars that are demonstrating that the league is in pretty good shape.”

On the 2003 NBA Playoffs
“We like the four of seven (playoff format). Our main reason for being ready to do it at this time was we thought that the potential of four and out and having multiple sweeps had been somewhat diminished by the leavening process of our rules and the like. So that the gap between one and eight was not as great as it used to be. We have had a great weekend, and a little bit beyond the weekend. Beyond that, it’s fun to talk about basketball this season.”

On TV being a factor in switching to a best of seven playoff format
“Did TV play a factor in going to best of seven? Yes. TNT and ESPN asked if whether we would go to a best of seven, and we said we would request it of the players. Our owners have actually been in favor of best of seven for a number of years. I have been against it, but (now) I am less against it.”

On security NBA at games
“We did something in the past to do that. We increased it in certain ways that I would rather not go into. Watch the guards. All I can tell you is that there are additional eyes around the arena focusing on the entire arena and complex. And there are additional security measures taken because of the world we live in and the like. It’s on going and has not been loosened. Beyond that, we watch it carefully, and we are worried about it.”

On Allen Iverson
“To me, the most important thing to focus on with Allen is the effort that he puts out every night. It is quite incredible. Some very important former players who were skeptical about him when he first came in to the league, have come to me and said, “all you have to do is watch him play and what he puts himself through.” They don’t know that they have ever seen anyone who was more competitive than he is. Maybe there are people who were as competitive, but in terms of a competitor he is up there with the great ones.”

“I think the world has had to adjust to the fact that we have a generation of players who look a little bit different than the generations of players decades ago. And I take to the credit of fans, both around America and the world, they have gotten used to it. Now what they focus on is basketball, talent and the inner-competitor that makes this game very enjoyable to watch.” On Allen Iverson Representing the U.S. on the Olympic Team “I would be proud to have him do that. I have said it before.”