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The Jazz will hold a moment of silence before Friday's home game against the Dallas Mavericks, in remembrance of Craig Sager, who died on Thursday after a long battle with cancer.
The respected and beloved reporter, who worked for TNT and TBS, prowled NBA sidelines for those networks for decades. He was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014, and underwent two bone marrow transplants which initially put his cancer in remission. Sager's leukemia returned in 2016, and he underwent another bone marrow surgery.
Sager was known for his colorful and eccentric attire, which made him one of the most recognizable figures in the broadcast industry.
The NBA reacted swiftly on Thursday when TNT announced Sager's passing.
"I — along with the entire NBA family — am deeply saddened by the passing of Craig Sager," 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."
Jazz players, like many around the league, took to social media with thoughts and statements on Sager's passing.
"All my thoughts to Craig Sager's family. Thanks for your positive energy and crazy suits, #RIP," Utah forward Boris Diaw said on Twitter.
"RIP Craig Sager," Jazz center Rudy Gobert said.
"RIP Craig Sager. Your work was first class and your will to live was truly inspiring," Gordon Hayward said.
For as big a mark as Sager left on the basketball world, his reporting resume went beyond the hardwood. In 1972, Sager interviewed Hank Aaron on his way to home plate after he hit his record-breaking 715th home run.
Sager covered the 1992 Winter Olympics. He was a sideline college football reporter, and also covered the NCAA men's basketball tournament.
Familiar face?
When the Jazz travel to Memphis this weekend to open a two-game road trip, the Grizzlies may be at full strength, or near to it. Memphis on Thursday waived Toney Douglas, according to Yahoo! Sports, adding that point guard Mike Conley is nearing a return from a back injury and could be ready to play against the Jazz. Conley, one of the best point guards in the NBA, was expected to be out until early January with the injury. The Grizzlies are in fifth place in the Western Conference, while the Jazz are sixth.
Hospital visits
The Jazz didn't practice on Thursday, taking another day to get a little more healthy. Players and coaches also made visits to the Primary Children's Hospital and the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
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