Janis Timma, a former NBA Summer League player, has tragically passed away at the age of 32. Timma fell from an apartment building in Moscow, Russia, with initial reports confirming his death, though the exact circumstances remain unclear.
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Initial reports suggested he died by suicide, though those reports have not been confirmed.
Timma, a Latvian native, was known for his standout career in the Latvian league, where he earned four All-Star selections. Drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2013, he was traded to the Orlando Magic in 2015, though he never played for the team in the NBA regular season.
Instead, he made his mark on the Magic's Summer League squad in 2021 and later joined their NBA G League affiliate in 2022, showcasing his skills at the professional level.
Throughout his career, Timma made a name for himself in Europe, particularly in Latvia, where he was celebrated for his talent and contributions to the sport. Standing 6-foot-7, Timma's versatility as a forward helped him stand out on the court. His success in European leagues solidified his reputation, even as his time in the NBA was limited.
In 2020, Timma married Ukrainian singer Anna Sedokova, though they had recently been facing personal challenges, with Sedokova filing for divorce prior to Timma's passing. While details surrounding his death remain unclear, his untimely loss has left a significant impact on the basketball community and his fans around the world.
Russia: Professional basketball player from Latvia, Janis Timma found dead after falling out of an apartment building in Moscow.
He was married to singer Anna Sedokova, originally from Ukraine who immigrated to Russia to advance her career in around 2004. She lives in Moscow. pic.twitter.com/gP99ee4ZBo— Igor Sushko (@igorsushko) December 17, 2024
Janis Timma's legacy in European basketball, particularly in Latvia, will endure. His skill, commitment to the game, and contributions to his country's basketball scene will be remembered by those who watched him play.
His death is a sad reminder of how much athletes can mean to their fans, and how personal struggles can often go unnoticed behind the scenes.