Iconic NBA Personality Craig Sager Died and the Tributes Immediately Followed
Known for his warm personality and sharp clothes, the longtime sideline reporter will be missed.
Beloved NBA sideline reporters Craig Sager died from a years-long battle with cancer on Thursday. The 65-year-old publicly battled leukemia since his first diagnosis in 2014, and remained a part of the NBA community as he struggled through remission, bone marrow transplants and the cancer’s eventually, fatal return.
The tributes to Sager began pouring in after his death was announced, with the most touching come form his longtime colleagues at Turner Sports, where he spent decades covering sports for CNN and TNT.
The NBA players who Sager covered over the years also chimed in with heartfelt words for the man with the wild suits.
Long Live Craig. We love you! Rest in Paradise
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) December 15, 2016
“Time is simply how you live your life.” – Craig Sager. So grateful for the time you shared with all of us. RIP my friend #sagerstrong
— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) December 15, 2016
Thank you for being you! Brought the best out of everyone you met. #sagerstrong pic.twitter.com/ixPco9SVr2
— Stephen Curry (@StephenCurry30) December 15, 2016
Rest In Peace to my friend and colorful sideline reporter, Craig Sager!
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) December 15, 2016
the sports world lost a legend today. rest in peace Mr. Craig Sager
— Blake Griffin (@blakegriffin23) December 15, 2016
Craig Sager brought so much enthusiasm to the NBA game. But his fight to the end is what really impressed me. RIP to an inspiring man.
— Scottie Pippen (@ScottiePippen) December 15, 2016
1 of a kind! #SagerStrong pic.twitter.com/0Q5aGz7w5y
— Chris Paul (@CP3) December 15, 2016
Among the most creative acknowledgements of Sager’s passing came from the Milwaukee Bucks, who trotted out some garish warm ups that would have made him man proud.
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/809562846522736641
In recent years, some one Sager’s best moments came alongside San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, whose banter between quarters with Sager provided some of most entertaining moments in sports TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLr9PeHRF9A
The famously grumpy coach got emotional when speaking to the media about the death of his friend.
https://twitter.com/GeraldBourguet/status/809557950641471488