Actor Chadwick Boseman dies of colon cancer at the age of 43 years old. /VCG
Chadwick Boseman, who played as T'Challa in Marvel's superhero movie "Black Panther," died on Friday after fighting colon cancer for four years.
Boseman's history with the NBA went back to 2015 when he participated in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game in 2015. In 2018, he attended the All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in which Victor Oladipo wore the Black Panther's mask to convey a salute to him. The two even exchanged Wakanda's greetings, the imaginative country in Black Panther's story, with each other.
Boseman was even invited to become a judge for this year's All-Star Slam Dunk Contest in Chicago. That's why his death led to massive grief in the league.
Victor Oladipo (L) of the Indiana Pacers and actor Chadwick Boseman greet each other in the NBA All-Star Slam Dunk Contest at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California, February 17, 2018. /VCG
"No way bro! No f****ng way bro!" Posted J.R. Smith of the Los Angeles Lakers on Twitter.
"Rest in Heaven (crown)" by Miami Heat legend Dwyane Wade who also gave the finger to 2020.
"2020 f****ng sucks" by Josh Hart of the Lakers.
"RIP Chadwick Boseman (Folded hands) To film the movies he filmed with such deep significance, in today's social and racial climate, all through cancer and chemo treatments... Amazing legacy, heart of a warrior," twitted former NBA player Jeremy Lin.
"Rest in power @chadwickboseman !! Your legacy will live forever. 2020 man, been a tough one." Wrote Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors.
Actor Chadwick Boseman #9 handles the ball in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, February 13, 2015. /VCG
"Wakanda Forever!! RIP Black Panther" by Larry Nance of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Former Lakers champion forward Metta World Peace reposted Boseman's death announcement with "unreal."
"No way …" "Just met you for the first time at all star... never stopped having this smile on your face..." Posted All-Star guard Trae Young of the Atlanta Hawks.
"D**n. Rest in paradise. (Folded hands) This year ain't it," twitted C.J. McCollum.
"Rest In Paradise King (crown)! #TheHellWith2020 #FCancer" posted LeBron James of the Lakers.