The basketball world is grieving the loss of Latvian player Janis Timma, who passed away at the age of 32. The Orlando Magic, with whom Timma briefly played in the NBA Summer League and G League, confirmed his death in a statement, expressing their condolences to his family and friends. Multiple reports indicate that Timma died by suicide in Moscow.
Timma's basketball journey began in Latvia, followed by being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in the second round of the 2013 NBA Draft. Although he was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2015, he never played in a regular season NBA game. His 2021 Summer League appearance with the Magic, where he scored 11 points and secured six rebounds in 16 minutes, became a memorable moment for fans. His career also spanned across various international leagues, including Russia, Greece, Puerto Rico, Turkey, and Spain. Olympiacos, one of his former teams, also released a statement expressing their shock and sadness, remembering him for his kindness.
Timma’s ex-wife, Anna Sedokova, requested privacy and understanding during this difficult time, particularly for their child. She pleaded with the public to refrain from sharing information that could further impact her family.
If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
