NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued the following statement on the death of Craig Sager, the longtime sideline reporter for TNT who died Thursday after a long battle with leukemia at the age of 65.
“I — along with the entire NBA family — am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager. Craig was as vital to the NBA as the players and coaches. A true original and an essential voice on Turner Sports’ NBA coverage for 26 seasons, Craig chronicled some of the most memorable moments in league history and was a ubiquitous presence with his splashy suits and equally colorful personality. Craig earned widespread respect for his insightful reporting and inspired so many most recently with his courage. Our hearts go out to his wife, Stacy; his children, Kacy, Craig Jr., Krista, Riley and Ryan; and his friends and colleagues.”
In the statement, the league noted that teams will be observing a moment of silence in Sager’s memory.
The Hawks next home game is Saturday against the Hornets.
From the team’s Twitter account, the Hawks posted “RIP, friend” with the hashtag #SagerStrong.
Several other Hawks players, who were en route to Toronto for Friday’s game when the news broke, posted messages on social media.
Ryan Kelly: "I see the beauty in others, and I see the hope for tomorrow. If we don't have hope and faith, we have nothing. I will never give up, and I will never give in. I will continue to keep fighting, sucking the barrel out of life, as life sucks the marrow out of me. I will live my life full of love and full of fun. It's the only way I know how."
Thank you Craig Sager for sharing your bright life with the world. You will be dearly missed. RIP
Thabo Sefolosha: RIP to the Legend Craig Sager gone way too soon prayers to his family
Dwight Howard: I am deeply Saddened by the loss of Craig Sager #SagerStrong today. Prayers to the Sager Family, We lost a Great1 #NBA @ATLHawksNations
Kent Bazemore: Condolenseces to the Sager family. Your positivity and gracious spirit shall live on forever! #SagerStrong
Kyle Korver: Thoughts and prayers for the Sager Family #SagerStrong
Kris Humphries: RIP To the legend Craig Sager. There was truly no one who had his presence in the arena!
Tim Hardaway Jr.: #SagerStrong Always and Forever
Thursday evening the Hawks CEO Steve Koonin and coach Mike Budenholzer issued the following statements:
Koonin: "We are tremendously saddened by the passing of Craig Sager. I was honored to work with him during my time at TNT. He was a great broadcaster and friend. Craig was an essential part of the NBA experience for fans as he brought the game and wonderful stories of our stars into the living rooms of so many through his outstanding and always entertaining reports."
“Craig will always hold a special place within our Hawks family as he chose to call our great city home and was a regular at Philips Arena along with his beautiful family. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his entire family, friends and fans.”
Budenholzer: "Craig was a great ambassador for our game and someone we will all truly miss. He had the unique ability to connect with people and it showed in his work and passion for life. I'm fortunate to have been able to work with him and call him a friend."
“On behalf of the team, coaches and front office, we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
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