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Boston Celtics Star's Heartfelt Message After Tragic Passing of Janis Timma

Former Memphis Grizzlies draft pick Janis Timma passed away at the age of 32

Joey Linn

Jun 14, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (back) looks on during the national anthem before game four of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center.
Jun 14, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (back) looks on during the national anthem before game four of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. / Peter Casey-Imagn Images
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It was tragically reported several places on Monday that former Memphis Grizzlies draft pick Janis Timma had passed away at the age of 32. Selected by Memphis with the final pick of the 2013 draft, Timma never appeared in an official NBA game, but did make Summer League appearances.

Playing 16 seasons professionally overseas, Timma had a very strong international career. While information is still surfacing about his tragic passing, the Latvian star is being mourned by the basketball world.

Via Basketball Forever: “RIP former NBA player Janis Timma. Timma was the 2013 #60 overall pick for Memphis and played in the 2021 Summer League for Orlando & 16 seasons as a professional overseas. He passed away at age 32 after an apparent suicide in Russia.”

Boston Celtics star Kristaps Porzingis, who is also from Latvia and played with Timma, shared a message on his Instagram story.

Via Porzingis: “🕯️rest in peace JT”

Several basketball outlets have been posting about Timma’s tragic passing.

Via Ballislife: “RIP JANIS TIMMA. He was the 60th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013 and made his NBA Summer League debut with the Orlando Magic in 2021.

This is a very sad time for basketball, as Timma was clearly beloved by those he crossed paths with. Despite never appearing in an NBA game, Timma clearly touched the basketball world with his professional career internationally and at Summer League.

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Title: Credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation Email: joeylinn52@gmail.com Education: Communication Studies degree from Biola University Location: Los Angeles, California Expertise: NBA analysis and reporting Experience: Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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