Renowned NBA analyst Sekou Smith, died of covid-19 related complications on Tuesday, the league announced. He was 48.

Smith reported on the NBA for nearly two decades, first as a beat writer covering the Indiana Pacers for the Indianapolis Star and the Atlanta Hawks for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, before joining Turner Sports in 2009.

https://twitter.com/MitchMooreNBA/status/1354206982752915460?s=20

He was a mainstay on NBA TV’s studio show “Game Time” and “The Beat.” He was also the host and creator of NBA.com’s “Hang Time” podcast and blog. His last podcast appearance was on Jan. 11.

Tributes from media figures and colleagues described Smith as a “dedicated reporter”. He was the husband of Heather and father to three children, Gabriel, Rielly, and Cameron.

A social media user commented on A Black Web thread about how Smith’s sudden death had affected him. “Crazy I wouldn’t even guess that Sekou Smith news would be something to kinda mess with my mood a bit but homie was a nice guy and he did the damn thing on nba.com and helped keep that garbage channel NBA TV afloat. I guess it’s just how sudden it is.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement, “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.

“Sekou’s love of basketball was clear to everyone who knew him and it always shined through in his work.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Sekou Smith pic.twitter.com/QyII7bcuXZ

— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2021

NBA TV said in a tweet that his work “touched a lot of people”.

"He touched a lot of people with not just his talents as a writer, as an analyst, as a broadcaster, but as a human being."@MattWinerTV, @realgranthill33 and @Candace_Parker pay tribute to our very own Sekou Smith. pic.twitter.com/MsXQnsbQtH

— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 27, 2021

Turner Sports said in a statement that they were “heartbroken over Sekou’s tragic passing.”

“His commitment to journalism and the basketball community was immense and we will miss his warm, engaging personality,” the statement read.

“He was beloved by his Turner Sports and NBA friends and colleagues. Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

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

Joining chorus of colleagues stunned and deeply saddened by the passing of Sekou Smith. Beyond his distinguished work, including his stint with Turner Sports, Smith was one of the kindest, most generous people on the NBA beat. And what a laugh. RIP, Sekou. You’ll be missed dearly

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 26, 2021

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