Beloved NBA reporter and television analyst Sekou Smith died on Tuesday, the league announced. He was 48 years old.
Smith covered the NBA for about two decades. He started working for the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson, Mississippi, before covering the Indiana Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks during his time with the Indianapolis Star and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
He joined Turner Sports in 2009, working as a reporter and analyst for NBA.com and NBA TV. Smith also performed the Hang Time Podcast, with its last appearance on January 11.
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“We are all heartbroken by Sekou’s tragic death,” Turner Sports said in a statement. “His commitment to journalism and the basketball community was immense and we will miss his warm and engaging personality. He was loved by his friends and colleagues at Turner Sports and the NBA. Our deepest condolences go out to his family and loved ones. “
Smith was described as a kind person and an important figure in the NBA community, leading to a wave of tributes from former colleagues, players, coaches and league officials.
“The NBA regrets the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver in a statement. “Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated NBA reporters and a great friend to so many in the league.”
“Sekou’s love for basketball was clear to everyone who knew him and always shone in his work. Our sincere condolences go out to his wife, Heather, and their children, Gabriel, Rielly and Cameron,” continued Silver.
Smith was battling the coronavirus, according to reports. The cause of his death was not officially revealed on Tuesday.
New Orleans Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy said he heard about Smith’s condition on Monday night through former NBA writer Marc Spears and believed things were looking up.
After learning of his death, he said the news “hit hard”.
“I think for all of us, this COVID thing was painful, to say the least,” said Van Gundy, who worked with Smith at Turner Sports before taking over from Pelicans. “But when you lose someone you know, who you admire and respect and who is young. I mean, he may not be young by your boys’ definitions, but young by my standards.”
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Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who also spent time working with Smith at Turner Sports, said he was “simply devastated”.
“Overwhelming news,” said Kerr, according to The Athletic reporter Anthony Slater. “Sekou has been part of the NBA family for a long time … Just another terrible day and we are all very sad.”
Other members of the NBA community and the sports world responded to the news on social media.
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Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Smith went to college at Jackson State, Mississippi, before entering the world of sports.