Walter Kennedy (basketball)

James Walter Kennedy ( born June 8, 1912 in Stamford, Connecticut, † June 26, 1977 ibid ) was the second Commissioner of the National Basketball Association. Kennedy took office in 1963 by Maurice Podoloff and kept it until 1975. Under his leadership, the NBA expanded to 18 teams, also he managed the completion of the first TV contract for the NBA. After Kennedy the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award is named, which is awarded annually to an NBA player, which is characterized by social engagement. On April 27, 1981 Kennedy was posthumously as " promoters" (English: contributor ) was added to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.