A sad day for the NBA world!

A senior NBA analyst and reporter Sekou Smith has passed
away on Thursday after battling with COVID-19. He was 48 years old.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced the news of his death in a
heartfelt Twitter post.

“The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member
of the NBA family,” said Adam Silver, NBA Commissioner, in a statement. “Sekou
was one of the most affable and dedicated reporters in the NBA and a terrific
friend to so many across the league.”

Smith has been reporting on basketball for more than 20
years. After graduating from Jackson State University in 1997, he began a sports
journalism career by covering teams all the national teams, such as Indiana
Pacers and the Atlanta Hawks.

In 2009, Smith joined Turner Sports as an NBA reporter and
analysts for both NBA TV and NBA.com.

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

Smith left behind three children Gabriel, Rielly and Cameron
and wife, Heather.

Turner Sports also released a tribute statement in the wake
of their employee’s death.

“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,” the sports channel said in a statement.
“He was beloved by his Turner Sports and NBA friends and colleagues. Our deepest
condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

Cause
of death

The 48-year-old was reportedly suffering from COVID-19,
though, it hasn’t been revealed until on Tuesday when he died from
coronavirus-related complications.

Shortly after the news, many NBA players, coaches,
administrators, beat journalists have taken to Twitter to offer their
condolences to the deceased and his family.

Stan Van Gundy, New Orleans Pelicans head coach, said in a Twitter
post, “He was just a great, great person! He cared about other people. Great
sense of humor. Positive, upbeat guy. Extremely intelligent.”

He said that he last heard about his health condition on
Monday night, and he had been doing well that time. Smith’s death news “hit
just hard,” said Van Gundy.

Steve Kerr, head coach of Golden State Warriors, said that
he felt “devastated” by the news of Sekou Smith’s untimely death.

Sports journalist Mark Jones also took to Twitter to offer
his condolences when he came to know that Sekou Smith died and said that the news of Smith’s passing left him “heavy-hearted.”

Here’s how fans are reacting to the renowned NBA reporter’s
tragic death at 48:

About 145000 Americans have lost their lives because of
coronavirus-related complication. It is advised to strictly follow COVID-19
protocols such as wearing masks and maintaining mandatory 6-feet social
distancing when going out in public places.

For more details and the latest news, like our Facebook page.