NBA Reporter and television analyst Sekou Smith has lost his battle with COVID-19.
What We Know:
- According to ESPN, Smith was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He went on to attend college at Jackson State in Mississippi, before starting his career as a sports reporter at the Clarion-Ledger in Jackson in 1994.
- Smith first began working for the NBA as a writer covering the Indiana Pacers for the Indianapolis Star and the Atlanta Hawks for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He joined Turner Sports in 2009.
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- The journalist was loved by basketball fans over his decade-long career on all platforms for Turner Sports, serving as an analyst for NBA TV, a writer for NBA.com, and a Hang Time Podcast host. Most importantly, however, Smith will be remembered for his kindness within a harsh industry, accompanied by an ever-present smile.
- On Tuesday, the NBA confirmed that Smith passed away from COVID-19 at just 48 years of age. NBA commissioner Adam Silver wrote in a statement saying, “The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family. Sekou was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific friend to so many across the league. 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.
“Sekou’s love of basketball was clear to everyone who knew him and it always shined through in his work. Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife, Heather, and their children, Gabriel, Rielly and Cameron,” he continued.
- As news spread, an outpouring of messages on social media remembered the icon. NBA player Dwayne Wade tweeted, “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.”
We send our deepest condolences to all of Smith’s family, friends, and fans.
