NBA: How Craig Sager Is Inspiring In Sideline Role

TNT’s Craig Sager’s latest bout with leukemia has inspired the entire league as he continues to work the NBA sideline in the midst of tragedy

For years he has been as consistent on the sideline as he is in wearing outlandish suits. He has taken his show on the road, both across America and overseas to cover USA Basketball at the Olympics.

Throughout his years as the face of the sideline interview, Sager has developed a close friendship with the intense Kevin Garnett and is the only one to melt the proverbially cold demeanor of Gregg Popovich.

But recently, Craig Sager’s presence on the sideline carries a special meaning.

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Last week, Sager did an interview with HBO’s Real Sports where he announced that his acute myeloid leukemia was no longer in remission. He went on to say that the doctors told him he has likely three to six months to live.

The emphatic and colorful sideline reporter has since noted that while the prognosis was grim, his situation is different as that timeline applies to those not receiving treatment.

Sager has been battling leukemia for two years, beginning in 2014 where he was originally diagnosed while working the Western Conference playoffs.

“I think my demise has been prematurely reported. I’m going to make medical history.” – Craig Sager

After going through a successful bone marrow transplant from his son, Sager returned to the sidelines briefly in 2015 before being told that his leukemia had returned.

This season has been Sager’s most triumphant. After another round of treatment, he was back on sideline asking questions in classic form. Most notably, he was back working the sideline during the NBA All-Star Game after missing the event last year.

The latest news has had an impact on the entire NBA. Most men don’t survive one bout with this disease. The odds are stacked against Sager defeating it a third time.

However, instead of going into isolation to battle the disease, Sager has returned to where he is most comfortable: on the sidelines.

Despite their contentious relationship on camera, there have been fewer supporters more vocal than Gregg Popovich. /

A week after his announcement, Sager was back working the sideline during the game between the Warriors and the Wizards.

When the time came to address the issue, Sager told the Associated Press “I think my demise has been prematurely reported. I’m going to make medical history.”

The outpouring of support has been tremendous. NBA superstars like LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade have all taken to social media to express their support for the reporter.

His interviewees are also more concerned with him than the NBA action occurring around them. Coaches like Fred Hoiberg and Randy Wittman ignore his questions in order to express their admiration for his fight with cancer.

Sager, always the professional, thanks them and continues to do his job by following up with another basketball question.

Perhaps no moment has stood out more than his post-game interview with reigning NBA MVP Stephen Curry. In the Warriors exhausting pursuit of a 73 win season, Sager asked Curry if he could use a break. Curry responded:

"[via USA Today]“I mean, seeing you doing what you’re doing? I mean, we got no excuses. So you’re an inspiration for us, so we just keep doing what we’re doing, and you keep fighting.”When asked why it was so important for him to continue doing his job, Sager told Janie McCauley of AP,”I’d go crazy if I just sat around and tried to make sure I didn’t bleed or get cut. I’ve got to be myself and go do what I have to do that keeps me going. It keeps me motivated. It’s therapeutic.”More sir charles in charge: Should The Lakers Trade D'Angelo Russell?Sager stated to McCauley that he has the trust of his doctors to do his work so long as he continues to receive treatment. He is scheduled to work next Thursday’s game between the Chicago Bulls and the Miami Heat.From myself and everyone here at Sir Charles in Charge, we express our support to Craig Sager as he continues to fight and inspire.Published on 04/01/2016 at 9:20 AM EDTLast updated on 04/01/2016 at 9:20 AM EDT [via USA Today]“I mean, seeing you doing what you’re doing? I mean, we got no excuses. So you’re an inspiration for us, so we just keep doing what we’re doing, and you keep fighting.””I’d go crazy if I just sat around and tried to make sure I didn’t bleed or get cut. I’ve got to be myself and go do what I have to do that keeps me going. It keeps me motivated. It’s therapeutic.”"

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