Remembering beloved NBA reporter Sekou Smith
Sekou Smith was a giant, even though he didn’t act like one. That’s why Tuesday’s news that Smith, a beloved NBA reporter first as a beat writer covering the Pacers and Hawks and later as an on-air analyst for NBA TV, was so painful for so many around the NBA. Smith died from COVID-19 at 48.
The outpouring of condolences, from fellow media members to players such as Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade to coaches across the league, is only a small indication of the weight of Smith’s loss. He was part of the fabric of the league, a person who could make you feel like you’d known him forever, even if you’d only been recently acquainted.
An NBA lifer, it was only natural that Nuggets coach Michael Malone knew him as well.
“I got to know him through my father (Brendan Malone),” Malone said. “… And through my father’s relationship with Sekou, I got to know him and interact with him. Last time I saw him in person was down in the ‘Bubble’ in Orlando, talking with him. Great man.
“I’m just devastated for his family,” Malone said. “Obviously, I speak for everybody within our organization that we’re thinking about Sekou’s family at this time. It’s just a really morbid reminder that COVID, everything we’re going through, the testing, the protocols, the masks, social distancing … we’re doing it for a reason. This is real. Sekou will definitely be missed.”
I was lucky. During the Nuggets-Trail Blazers series in the 2019 playoffs, I tagged along when a small group of reporters went to the famed Nike store. On the car ride, I made some lame joke that had a very small chance of landing. But when Sekou laughed, that was all I needed. That was the gravity his laugh carried. Anybody who knew him knew how loud it rang.
Those laughs got louder at dinner. Our same group of four reporters found a highly regarded sushi place near downtown Portland. Jokes flew liberally. Stories about Smith’s time on the Turner set, with big
NBA personalities, were shared in confidence. It was special in and of itself, but took on greater significance in the wake of Smith’s passing. One point he made that night, and to hundreds of other people who were lucky enough to cross paths with him, was that no person was too big for a joke. That was how he rolled. Sekou kept everybody honest.
And even if he didn’t outright say it, his message was clear as a sage reporter who’d paid his dues and earned widespread respect around the league. As much as he loved the NBA and poured his life’s energy into covering it, he wasn’t overly impressed with status and didn’t change just because he was on TV regularly and working alongside NBA legends. He didn’t think he was above anyone, which is why he connected with everyone.
The NBA media circuit is a close-knit family. Ostensibly competitors, the reality is that when you’re on the road, those boundaries tend to blur. The friendships make the travel worthwhile.
When the Nuggets visited Atlanta last January, I was happy to see Sekou leaning against a wall outside of the Hawks’ press room. I figured he had interesting dinners every night he was on the road and wasn’t sure whether our dinner gave me clearance to pick his brain. How stupid. Sekou was an open book to anyone who asked. When he asked what was up with the Nuggets, who were coming off one of the ugliest losses of the season at Washington, I’m sure I had a field day picking them apart.
Hopefully I got a belly laugh or two.
Not only had he validated my opinion with that conversation, but when he asked me to jump on his Hang Time podcast to discuss the Nuggets before heading to Orlando, I was thrilled. Ask anyone. Talking to Sekou was a treat. He could’ve lined up any guest he wanted.
About two weeks ago, I was supposed to be on his Hang Time podcast again. His producer emailed me the day of the podcast that he’d tested positive for COVID and we’d have to cancel.
I asked him how he was doing.
“Can’t believe this,” he texted back. “We are vigilant around here, and I got it anyway.”
I sent a follow-up text later asking how he was doing. It went unanswered.
Sekou’s legacy is secure. He taught countless people how to be humble, passionate and generous. He carried himself with the utmost confidence and without the slightest trace of an ego. He was a mentor to so many journalists, including numerous Black reporters, propping people up and often reaching out unsolicited.
He was a giant even though he didn’t act like one. What I wouldn’t give to be the butt of just one more joke.