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The whole NBA world mourned after veteran reporter Sekou Smith passed away on Tuesday at the age of 48. According to reports, the beloved journalist died to COVID-19 complications.
A popular figure not only in the media but also among players, tributes have since poured in for the sports media giant. As noted by USA Today Sports, Smith had worked in the industry for over two decades, starting in 2001 by covering the Indiana Pacers for the Indianapolis Star.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement about Smith's passing, calling the longtime journalist one of the “most affable and dedicated reporters” the league has ever seen.
“The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family,” Silver furthered. “… He covered the game for more than two decades, including the past 11 years with Turner Sports, where he showed his full range of skills as an engaging television analyst, podcast host and writer.”
Phoenix Suns star guard Chris Paul was among the first players to react to the tragic passing of Smith, noting that the day–which is also Kobe Bryant's first death anniversary–got even heavier with the news.
Man today just got a little heavier… my condolences to Sekou’s wife, family, friends, and extended NBA family. What a kind and compassionate man we just lost. 🙏🏾🕊
— Chris Paul (@CP3) January 27, 2021
Dwyane Wade, for his part, remembered his relationship with Smith and shared how he had nothing but positive interactions with the beloved sports reporter.
I’ve never had anything but positive interactions and conversations with Sekou Smith. Our prayers go out to the Smith family. We lost a good one. Rest In Heaven🖤 https://t.co/yszgMXpfo1
— DWade (@DwyaneWade) January 27, 2021
NBA teams such as the Pacers, Atlanta Hawks and Oklahoma City Thunder also paid tribute to Smith and remembered his professionalism and love for the game.
We offer our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sekou Smith. pic.twitter.com/3eX6Y08nXW
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) January 27, 2021
He brought incredible joy and professionalism to his coverage of the NBA. The Thunder offers our deepest condolences to the family and friends of Sekou Smith. pic.twitter.com/ydK4TGZnVj
— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 27, 2021
The Hawks organization is heartbroken by the passing of Sekou Smith. The Hawks’ beat writer for the AJC from 05-09, Sekou provided our fans with honest & fair coverage, sharing incredible insight on the team while establishing himself as one of the NBA’s top personalities. pic.twitter.com/vt2Dtt862K
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 27, 2021
Sekou Smith was truly popular figure in the NBA, and for a great reason. After covering the Pacers, he moved to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and covered the Hawks. He then moved to Turner Sports and wrote about the league in general for NBA.com and shared his basketball insights and analysis for NBA TV.
Here are other tributes from players, coaches and his colleagues from the industry:
https://twitter.com/realStanVG/status/1354247269013401609
Sekou Smith was one of my favorite people in the business. Always felt like it was family when we would talk. Always warm, always real… RIP 🙏🏾
— 🏁 Jamal Crawford (@JCrossover) January 27, 2021
RIP Sekou Smith 🙏🏽
— Rudy Gobert (@rudygobert27) January 27, 2021
— Caron Butler (@realtuffjuice) January 27, 2021
Hard to process. An impeccable human being. Rest In Peace, Sekou Smith. pic.twitter.com/7MwOMyOAB3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) January 26, 2021
Sekou Smith was the very best of us. Smart. Funny. Unflinching. Full of good. A lot of days and nights on the road with him – Bubble, Finals, Olympics, wherever – and always this: Photos of his kids playing ball, or graduating, or leaving for college. Godspeed, my friend.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 27, 2021
