Beloved Sekou Smith Honored, Remembered By NBA Community

NBA Community Remembers, Honors Beloved Sekou Smith: ‘He Was Everything That Was Right About This Business And The NBA’

Everyone’s best friend. One of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA. Such a wonderful person. A true life force. Always smiling, always laughing. A warm, engaging personality and an ability to truly connect with people. Everything that was right about the NBA.

pic.twitter.com/USehk1OzJi
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2021

These exact descriptions and countless more have been shared about the beloved NBA journalist, colleague, friend, husband, father, and family man: Sekou Smith.

We will share who said those traits about Smith and let those who truly knew him best share and reflect on his legacy.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver “issued the following statement…regarding the passing of Sekou Smith,” per NBA.com:

“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.”
Adam Silver per NBA.com

Turner Sports president Lenny Daniels:

“To anyone who knew Sekou, he was the utmost professional and someone who was so dedicated to his craft. He was well connected throughout the industry and his passion and love for the game was unwavering … beyond his many professional accomplishments, Sekou will be remembered as being such a wonderful person. His closest friends describe him as “everyone’s best friend” for how much he genuinely cared for others at all times. He had such a warm, engaging personality and an ability to truly connect with people.”
Lenny Daniels per NBA.com’s Shaun Powell: “Honoring Sekou Smith, our own MVP”

Atlanta Hawks:

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.
Atlanta Hawks per NBA.com’s “Statement from the Atlanta Hawks on the Passing of Sekou Smith”

Steve Aschburner, senior writer for NBA.com:

“I don’t know anyone who moved more easily than Sekou through the many layers of the NBA, from players to coaches to front-office executives to agents to billionaire owners to fans to fellow media folks, all the while maintaining his integrity as a reporter and his great upbeat nature as a man … he was a true life force.”
Steve Aschburner per NBA.com

Marc Spears, senior writer for The Undefeated:

“Sekou was truly a brother to me. We started covering the NBA around the same time and been close for as long as I can remember. He always showed me a brotherly friendship, humility, honesty and humor. We debated on hoop, but always respected each other’s opinion. He truly cared about how I was doing even during his tough days and rooted for your success and happiness. I’m so glad we got to spend some time together in the (Orlando) bubble. So glad we were able to tell each other we love each other two weeks ago. Sekou truly made the world a better place. I’m just stunned.”
Marc Spears per NBA.com

John Schuhmann, senior writer, NBA.com:

“Sekou was my brother from another. We bonded from Day 1, mostly because he bonded with everybody from Day 1. I looked forward to every trip to The Finals or All-Star Weekend because I was going to spend extended time with my favorite person outside my own family … I will treasure every moment, even when I was talking to him and then turned to realize that he fell asleep. That dude had a remarkable ability to take naps anytime, anywhere, even when the BART train, with its hard plastic seats, was screeching along the path from San Francisco to Oakland. When something crazy happened in the NBA, it was Sekou whom I was immediately texting or calling. But our conversations went well beyond basketball and they helped me become the man, the husband and father that I am today. We were contemporaries, but I wanted to be like Sekou. I’m going to miss him desperately.”
John Schuhmann per NBA.com

Tim Frank, senior vice president, NBA communications:

“I think the word that you can’t stress enough with Sekou is kindness. This business has become so fast paced with deadlines, story breaking, the rush of everything and it’s easy to forget the human side, to go out of your way to just be nice to people. He never forgot that step. Ever. Always smiling, always laughing, always giving you that look when he thought you were BS’ing him. But never anything but kind. He was everything that was right about this business and the NBA.”
Tim Frank per NBA.com

So many people are remembering and honoring Smith’s legacy, praying for his family and loved ones:

The Turner Sports family mourns the loss of our very own, Sekou Smith.

Our thoughts are with his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/97mu4bylfA
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 27, 2021

The Hawks had a moment of silence for Smith before their game at home against the Nets per the Hawks Twitter.

A moment of silence for Sekou Smith before tonight's game 🙏❤️ pic.twitter.com/cjojoYiqa0
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) January 28, 2021

More NBA teams had touching tributes in memory of Smith.

Reserving a media seat at tonight’s game in loving memory of our friend Sekou Smith. pic.twitter.com/mhM2tFiP8s
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 28, 2021

Stan Van Gundy on the passing of Sekou Smith pic.twitter.com/KGfpreZUdj
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 27, 2021

We join the rest of the @NBA family in mourning the tragic passing of @SekouSmithNBA and have reserved a media seat for tonight’s game to honor his memory. pic.twitter.com/qgZtpkyBQo
— Cavs Notes (@CavsNotes) January 27, 2021

We would like to send our condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sekou Smith.

A talented writer, a true proponent of the game of basketball and a wonderful human being. He will be missed.

Rest in peace. https://t.co/KCNkyB0aaz
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 27, 2021

Steve Kerr "I just heard the news about Sekou Smith and I am just devastated. I know I speak for our entire organization, just crushing news today. Sekou has been a part of the NBA family for a long time … I just want to express our organization's condolences to Sekou's family"
— Nick Friedell (@NickFriedell) January 27, 2021

The Pistons join the NBA community in mourning the passing of Sekou Smith. For nearly two decades, the Grand Rapids native provided insightful information to audiences across multiple platforms, and brought humor & personality to interviews with our team.

Prayers to his family. https://t.co/LNRPAnZd8B
— Detroit Pistons (@DetroitPistons) 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

Heavy heart today..We lost a good brother to Covid.
Sekou Smith of @NBATV and https://t.co/dyMHCgGy2q was a brilliant and insightful writer,a positive dude.
He’s gone home to be with the Lord. 🙏🏽
Philippians 4:4 pic.twitter.com/Yw5xvwZ51g
— MarkJonesESPN (@MarkJonesESPN) January 26, 2021

The Bible verse Mark Jones mentioned reads: “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (NIV). The passage goes on to say in verses five through seven: “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

2015 Finals, stuck at the Spurs facility waiting for the Heat. I’m by myself, feeling sad, missing my infant son. Sekou came over to check on me. We talked about fatherhood for an hour. A life changing conversation. Absolutely crushed by his passing.
— Paul Flannery (@Pflanns) January 26, 2021

Sekou Smith was one of the kindest souls you could ever meet. Always willing to share his time with any that asked. So sad. He’ll be sorely missed. Condolences. May he RIP 🙏🏽
— Jorge Sedano (@Sedano) January 26, 2021

Steve Aschburner: ‘Tremendous journalist, terrific teammate, remarkable husband, father and friend. A true life force’:

Tremendous journalist, terrific teammate, remarkable husband, father and friend. A true life force. Our bosses told us today in an urgent, tearful conference call. My head hit my desk. Tragic. Godspeed, my friend. https://t.co/dvkA71ylq2
— Steve Aschburner (@AschNBA) January 26, 2021

Sekou was one of the nicest people I’ve ever gotten to meet. Praying for his family and for so many of his friends who are crushed by this news
— Dan Woike (@DanWoikeSports) January 26, 2021

i remember seeing sekou all the time when i interned at turner in 2016. never treated me like an intern. always treated me like a peer and always encouraged me to keep at it in this business. he was a consummate og. ima miss him.
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) January 26, 2021

Lead with kindness. I will miss you, brother. pic.twitter.com/3rNUiaoEHQ
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 26, 2021

Sekou was my colleague, and my friend, but most of all he was my brother. I will miss him dearly, but will also remain thankful for all the great times we had together. Love you forever, man. 💙 pic.twitter.com/ap2YizjjPk
— Lang Whitaker (@langwhitaker) January 26, 2021

Marc J. Spears: ‘You were a gift to this Earth as a friend, father and a man…prayers to your wife & family’:

Thank you for your brotherly friendship, humor, honesty and compassion. Glad we had a chance to tell each other we loved each other three weeks ago. You were a gift to this Earth as a friend, father and a man Sekou Smith. Rest In Peace to my brother. Prayers to your wife & family pic.twitter.com/mqjnZyEHNz
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 26, 2021

Remembering Sekou Smith pic.twitter.com/LReefFDv7E
— Deadline White House (@DeadlineWH) January 28, 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

John Schuhmann: ‘I’m absolutely gutted, especially for his wife, his kids & his pops…I love you, brother’:

Sekou Smith was my brother from another. We bonded from day 1, mostly because he bonded with everybody from day 1. I’m absolutely gutted, especially for his wife, his kids & his pops. I can’t describe how much his friendship will be missed.

I love you, brother. pic.twitter.com/ihV9CXlgoY
— John Schuhmann (@johnschuhmann) January 27, 2021

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

Jerry Brewer: ‘A bright light in our profession’:

I started on the NBA beat about the same time as Sekou. He was a committed friend to, like, everyone. He always made you feel special. And he could talk smack to, like, anyone. So fun and loving. Tremendous person and journalist. A bright light in our profession.

Too much pain. https://t.co/0zZPfzVJs7
— Jerry Brewer (@JerryBrewer) January 27, 2021

Sekou was the very best. Just an incredibly kind, funny dude. One of the people I most looked forward to running into on the road. Just awful news. Our writing community hurts tonight.
— Chris Herring (@Herring_NBA) January 26, 2021

Sekou Smith was one of the good ones, y'all. His love and enthusiasm for the game of basketball was unmatched. I loved talkin' hoops with him at NBA TV. My deepest condolences to his family, friends, and the entire Turner Sports team. This hurts. pic.twitter.com/4hXa1VyJCI
— J.E. Skeets (@jeskeets) January 26, 2021

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. 🙏🏾🕊

Sekou was part of a community that made sure I was taken care of as a cub. Kenny Anderson called him the hip-hop reporter. When I saw how he was received, for being himself, I gave up on khakis and polos. Sekou liberated me. He had a gift for helping you feel free around him
— Marcus Thompson (@ThompsonScribe) January 26, 2021

Simply an honor to know and work alongside @SekouSmithNBA. BELOVED beyond words by his colleagues across the league. This saddest of days only gets sadder and harder. Sending as much warmth and strength as we can muster to his family in this unspeakably difficult time … 💔🙏
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) January 26, 2021

Sekou was the light of the NBA beat. This is awful news. RIP Sekou
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) January 26, 2021

Thoughtful writer. NBA podcast pioneer. Big brother to anyone who asked. Hilarious. Curious. Welcoming. Gracious. No time for fakery. Loved debate for debate’s sake. Couldn’t go 10 minutes w/o mentioning family. Made his teammates better. As good as it gets. RIP @SekouSmithNBA
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) January 27, 2021

What I’d give for one more bike ride in the bubble with you brother. Along with @THE_Morgann, @MarcJSpears and John Scott, we bonded like never before. @SekouSmithNBA fell a few times, but he got up and kept riding. Now he’s riding up high. Rest easy big brother. Love you. pic.twitter.com/dRbbBCpseP
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 27, 2021

Earl K. Sneed: ‘I…will always honor your memory’:

My role model. My mentor. My big brother. The first national NBA writer to see something in me and tell me how much I could accomplish. I promise you, I will fulfill everything you saw in me and will always honor your memory. Love you, @SekouSmithNBA. Rest in Heaven. pic.twitter.com/OqnvdOdAFZ
— Earl K. Sneed (@EarlKSneed) January 26, 2021

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Sekou Smith pic.twitter.com/QyII7bcuXZ
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2021

Contents

1 NBA Community Remembers, Honors Beloved Sekou Smith: ‘He Was Everything That Was Right About This Business And The NBA’
2 Turner Sports president Lenny Daniels:
3 Atlanta Hawks:
4 Steve Aschburner, senior writer for NBA.com:
5 Marc Spears, senior writer for The Undefeated:
6 John Schuhmann, senior writer, NBA.com:
7 Tim Frank, senior vice president, NBA communications:
8 So many people are remembering and honoring Smith’s legacy, praying for his family and loved ones:
9 Steve Aschburner: ‘Tremendous journalist, terrific teammate, remarkable husband, father and friend. A true life force’:
10 Marc J. Spears: ‘You were a gift to this Earth as a friend, father and a man…prayers to your wife & family’:
11 John Schuhmann: ‘I’m absolutely gutted, especially for his wife, his kids & his pops…I love you, brother’:
12 Jerry Brewer: ‘A bright light in our profession’:
13 Earl K. Sneed: ‘I…will always honor your memory’:

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