Remembering Craig Sager

Last night an icon in broadcast journalism, Craig Sager, passed away after two years of battling acute myeloid leukemia. Sager was in broadcasting for well over 30 years that included hosting and co-hosting sports shows, running radio broadcast, and conducting sideline interviews. Sager became a full-time member of Turner Sports in 1987. During that time he was only doing sideline reporting for Atlanta Hawks when they had a game aired on the network.

Later in his career Sager found his calling working the sidelines during basketball games. This was the role he was most well known for and he became a special part of the NBA community. He will be remembered for his eye-popping suits that he would wear every night. What made Sager really special is his personality. He had a connection with the players and coaches that always made the interviews feel much more personal with those watching at home.

But when Sager became sick and couldn't work the sideline his son stepped up to fill in. In an interview with Greg Popovich, Popovich probably spoke the most he had ever spoke during a sideline report. And what he said had nothing to do with basketball. He said, "You did a great job, but I'd rather have your dad standing here. Craig, we miss you. You have been an important part of all this for a long time doing a great job. We want your fanny back on the court. And I promise I'll be nice. Get back here. Good luck." In the first interview between Craig and Pop since Craig's return, you can tell how heartfelt the exchange was. (7:26 in the video above)

In March of 2016, Sager announced his Leukemia had returned. He was told he had about three to six months to live without any treatment. Sager kept fighting though and underwent his third bone marrow transplant. Knowing that his fight was slowly coming to an end, Turner sports loaned Sager to Disney to work his first ever NBA Finals in June of 2016. The very next month Sager received the Jimmy V Perseverance award at the 2016 ESPYS. And just two days before his death Sager was introduced into the Broadcasting Hall of Fame on December 13th, 2016.

Sager's passing sent shock waves through the NBA. Teams paid tribute to Sager, like they have all year long, by wearing goofy style t-shirts during warm-ups. Broadcasters across the country had been paying tribute all year long by wearing outlandish suits and dresses on game nights. Although Sager is no longer with us, his will to fight will always carry on. He has influenced everyone to continue being Sager Strong and make every second count.