Sekou Smith Has Passed Away After Battle With COVID-19

Longtime NBA journalist and analyst Sekou Smith has passed away not long after falling ill with coronavirus.

The 48-year-old, who passed away on Tuesday, January 26th, was a journalist for 20 years and worked for NBA TV and NBA.com. He also hosted the NBA Hang Time podcast. Before starting his career, Smith attended Jackson State University in Mississippi. He began working with Turner Sports in 2009.

Turner Sports released a statement following Smith’s death.

“His commitment to journalism and the basketball community was immense, and we will miss his warm, engaging personality. He was beloved by his Turner Sports and NBA friends and colleagues. Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called Smith “one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA.

Retired Miami Heat player Dwyane Wade honored Smith on Twitter, sending his prayers to his family.

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

Chris Paul of the Phoenix Suns also tweeted about the respected journalist, saying that the day had gotten “a little heavier” after the news broke.

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

Sekou is survived by his wife, Heather, and their children, Gabriel, Rielly, and Cameron.