The Atlanta Hawks are honoring former NBA reporter and analyst Sekou Smith after he died from complications of COVID-19.

Smith, who formerly wrote for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, died on January 26 at the age of 48. The Hawks announced a series of tributes Monday in honor of Smith's “dedication to journalism, building relationships and mentoring young journalists.”

Atlanta will rename its media workroom at State Farm Arena. It will be known as the Sekou Smith Press Room at the start of the 2021-22 season. The Hawks will also be instituting a Sekou Smith Award bestowed upon the player who best represents the franchise in their interactions with the media. Finally, the Hawks are launching an internship program whereby a student from a Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) will cover their Summer League team.

The Hawks released this statement on Jan. 26, via the team's website:

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“The Atlanta Hawks organization is heartbroken by the passing of Sekou Smith. The Hawks’ beat writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution from 2005-09, Sekou provided our fans with honest and fair coverage, sharing incredible insight on the team while establishing himself as one of the NBA’s top basketball personalities. He made Atlanta his home, continuing his brilliant work at NBA Digital on TV and behind the keyboard telling the stories of the league in his unique way. Sekou’s passion for the NBA and its players was only outmatched by the pride and love he reserved for his family and friends. We send our condolences to his wife Heather and their three children. He will be sorely missed.”

Smith was the Hawks beat writer from 2005-09, eventually going on to join NBA Digital and NBA.com. He was renowned for the “Hang Time” blog and podcast.

Smith was a titan in basketball media. Atlanta is honoring his legacy accordingly.