The basketball world mourns the passing of Craig Sager

Published Dec. 15, 2016 4:04 p.m. ET

Brett Pollakoff

Craig Sager passed away at age 65 on Thursday after a long battle with cancer, and the basketball world is in mourning. Sager was a broadcaster with Turner Sports for more than three decades and became known for his flashy sense of style while doing sideline reporting during nationally televised NBA games.

“I -- along with the entire NBA family -- am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "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.”

Here's a sampling of reactions from those around the league who knew Sager the best.

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/809495152242720769

https://twitter.com/MarkJonesESPN/status/809501901561720833

https://twitter.com/Money23Green/status/809500267485925377

https://twitter.com/kevinlove/status/809498940450209792

https://twitter.com/theborisdiaw/status/809500837844172800

https://twitter.com/SHowardCooper/status/809496990836920320

https://twitter.com/blakegriffin32/status/809500740435738624

https://twitter.com/JCrossover/status/809499414704357377

https://twitter.com/NBA/status/809473121325453312

https://twitter.com/KDTrey5/status/809498620445634560

https://twitter.com/ScottiePippen/status/809496786872270848

https://twitter.com/RealTristan13/status/809494349776097280

https://twitter.com/TheBlurBarbosa/status/809502763692462080

https://twitter.com/BaronDavis/status/809501392691929088

https://twitter.com/CraigSagerJr/status/809498403310800896