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Who are Sekou Smith's wife and children? NBA reporter hailed by colleagues as 'best of us' after Covid-19 death

Smith is survived by his wife Heather Pulliam and the couple's three children, Gabriel, Rielly and Cameron

Sekou Smith, an award-winning NBA reporter and analyst, died at the age of 48 after battling Covid-19. Smith had received best wishes from Pelicans coach Stan Van Gundy just last week. Andrew Lopex had tweeted, "Stan Van Gundy started his press conference sending thoughts and prayers to http://NBA.com and NBA TV’s Sekou Smith who is battling Covid-19."

He was respected as one of the most powerful voices of the NBA and is survived by his wife Heather Pulliam and the couple's three children, Gabriel, Rielly and Cameron. 

Sekou Smith career and education

Smith, whose journalism career began at The Clarion-Ledger after he graduated from Jackson State University in 1997 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications, wrote for the Indianapolis Star and the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, where he covered the Pacers and the Hawks. He joined Turner Broadcasting as Senior Analyst NBA Digital in November 2009 and has since worked as a reporter and an analyst for the NBA.com and NBA TV.

Many remember the late reporter from 'Game Time' and 'The Beat'. He was also the host of the podcast by NBA.com titled 'Hang Time' delivering his last podcast on January 11. Before Smith wrote about the NBA, he covered college football, basketball and baseball for the Jackson Clarion-Ledger (1994 to 2001).

Sekou Smith's wife and children

Smith has been very public about his family as the late NBA Analyst never skipped a beat when it came to posting about his wife and children on his Instagram. Last year on Mother's Day, he shared a beautiful message to his wife along with a photo writing, “If you only knew what it takes for this one to ever take a bow as the great Mother, wife, teacher and all around beautiful soul that she is and always has been (she puts up with me, so she must be an [angel emoji]). Happy Mother’s Day.”

When the Black Lives Matter protests were in full swing, Smith shared a very real and powerful message along with photos of his children, writing, "Hey World, these are my sons. I love them as fiercely as you love yours (never mind that they often drive me crazy... it’s the hair, it’s always been the hair)."

"They didn't ask to be here, caught in the swirl of anyone's foolishness. Their Mother and I have only one request. Do us a favor, if you would, and judge these cats by the size of their hearts and the strength of their character. We vow to do the same for yours. Thanks [praying hands emoji]," he added.

He also posted a photo of his entire family on New Years 2020 writing, "Rode out 2019 with this crew and ringing in 2020 with them as well. Happy New Year to you and yours. #FamilyFirst."

Tributes pour in on social media

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr said as tweeted by Anthony Slater, "Steve Kerr: "I just heard the news about Sekou Smith. I'm just devastated. Crushing news. Sekou has been part of the NBA family for a long time...Just another awful day and we're all so saddened."

Contributing writer for The Atlantic, and host of 'Jemele Hill is Unbothered' podcast, Jemele Hill tweeted, "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."

Many also took to the social media channel to remember good times with Smith. Senior NBA Insider for Yahoo Sports, TNT sideline reporter and host of the 'Posted Up w/ Chris Haynes' podcast Chris Haynes tweeted a video writing, "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."

He added, "@SekouSmithNBA fell a few times, but he got up and kept riding. Now he’s riding up high. Rest easy big brother. Love you." The official NBA twitter account also posted an official statement by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver which can be seen below. "The NBA mourns the passing of Sekou Smith, a beloved member of the NBA family," read the statement as it proceeded to call the late reporter a "terrific friend to so many across the league."

Turner Sports released a statement that read, “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. He was beloved by his Turner Sports and NBA friends and colleagues. Our deepest condolences are with his family and loved ones.”

The messages continued to be very emotional as Smith seemed to have touched many hearts — those that came before him and those that came after. Yahoo Senior NBA writer Vincent Goodwill wrote, "Sekou was good to me for no reason. He welcomed me into the fraternity of beat writers when I was very young and very green. We could talk about Michigan football, the league, life, anything. I’ll miss him dearly. Tough day, man."

Sports Editor for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Chris Vivlamore also wrote, "I grappled with this today with tears running down my face. Sekou Smith was my friend. I lost my friend. We worked together and alongside each other. He made every minute you were with him better. Every minute. Prayers, peace and love to his family. I love you man. #SEKOUSTRONG".

ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski also wrote, "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."