NEW YORK — Simon Gourdine, who became deputy commissioner of the NBA in 1974 and went on to work for and lead the players' association in the 1990s, has died. He was 72.

The NBA confirmed Gourdine died on Thursday, though the cause of death was not released. He was living in the Bronx.

"Simon Gourdine made an extraordinary impact on the National Basketball Association over his nearly 20 years of service with our league," commissioner David Stern said in a statement. "As both the NBA's deputy commissioner and executive director of the Players Association, Simon brought the same zeal, integrity and excellence that he exhibited from his days as an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

"The NBA family has lost an innovator and a great friend."