The Oklahoma City Thunder added their support to the outpouring of condolences to the loved ones of Sekou Smith, the journalist who died on Tuesday.
Smith, who spent the last 11 years with Turner Sports, was 48 years old. His death was first reported by Unit 1 Hoop Source.
He served as an analyst and reporter for NBA.com and NBA TV with Turner Sports. Over his career, he also reported for the Clarion-Ledger, Indianapolis Star and the Atlanta-Journal Constitution. He graduated from Jackson State University.
The Thunder tweeted a message about him on Tuesday night. In it, they wrote:
“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.”
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
Others around the league also reacted to his passing.
Former Thunder point guard Chris Paul, now with the Phoenix Suns, tweeted that Smith was a “kind and compassionate man.”
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
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver released a statement:
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Sekou Smith pic.twitter.com/QyII7bcuXZ
— NBA (@NBA) January 27, 2021
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
Reporters who knew Smith also tweeted condolenses.
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
Every photo I have of Sekou Smith, he's smiling. That's who he was – walking, talking joy. I can't believe he's gone, not today, not at all, not like this. My heart goes out to his family and everyone whose lives he made better, which was, well, everyone. #RIP @SekouSmithNBA
— Rachel Nichols (@Rachel__Nichols) 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 pic.twitter.com/mqjnZyEHNz
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) January 26, 2021
Sekou was one of the kindest people on this earth, and had the best smile. There are not enough positive adjectives to describe him. Lucky to have had him as a colleague. This is devastating. Sending love and thoughts to his family. https://t.co/xXc2MkSjL3
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) January 26, 2021
Sekou was the light of the NBA beat. This is awful news. RIP Sekou
— Tom Haberstroh (@tomhaberstroh) January 26, 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 was one of my big brothers in the business. Opened doors for me that I could have never opened myself. Vouched for me when I didn’t deserve it. Encouraged me when I was at my lowest. Just heartbroken. You will be missed my friend. Rest easy big bro ❤️
— Tony Jones (@Tjonesonthenba) January 26, 2021
