NBA Analyst Sekou Smith Passes Away At 48

By Ryan Shepard

January 27, 2021

NBA analyst and reporter Sekou Smith has passed away at the age of 48. The Smith family has not publicly shared the cause of his death, but reporters from around the world of sports have suggested that his death may be related to the coronavirus.

Smith is a widely respected report and writer who had covered sports for more than two decades. He started his career off with The Clarion-Ledger before making the move to the Indianapolis Star where he covered the NBA. Moving along, Smith broke on to the national scene by covering the Atlanta Hawks and the NBA for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Smith's worked earned him a spot with Turner Sports covering the league on the NBA network. While at Turner Sports, he appeared on NBA TV's The Beat and hosted The Hang Time podcast.

As news of his passing circulated around the world of sports media, a number of reporters, writers, editors, and analysts shared their memories of Smith. Jemele Hill, Marc J. Spears, Elle Duncan and several others sent their well wishes to the Smith family.

I’ve known Sekou Smith since I was 20 years old. Never forget the day we met. We were both interns at the Plain Dealer in Cleveland and we met filling out our paperwork. We clicked right away and a great friendship was born. I’m glad he’s at peace, but this absolutely hurts.
— Jemele Hill (@jemelehill) January 27, 2021

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

"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," Marc J. Spears tweeted.

Turner Sports also issued a statement regarding their beloved employee.

"We are all heartbroken over Sekou's tragic passing. His commitment to journalism and the basketball community was immense and we will miss his warm, engaging personality," Turner Sports said.

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

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