Michael Sweetney, a former first-round pick by the Knicks after a standout career at Georgetown, has died at age 43, his family announced.
A cause of death has not been released.
A 6-8 forward/center, Sweetney spent two seasons with the Knicks from 2003-05, averaging 7.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.
“No one loved him more and he loved no one more than his family. His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible,” his wife, India Murray Sweetney, wrote in a social-media announcement.
“He’s been my best friend for 30 years and my husband for almost 20. I’m not sure what we or I will do without him. He was the best son, brother, family member, friend, father and husband ANYONE could ask for.”
The post included a photo of Sweetney and his family at Madison Square Garden last season.
Sweetney’s wife launched an online fundraiser this month, with the description reading only, “thoughts and prayers thank you.”
The GoFundMe page raised $11,660 in donations, exceeding its $10,000 goal.
Sweetney starred at Georgetown for three seasons from 2000-03, averaging 18.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.9 blocks per game.
He was a finalist for the Naismith Player of the Year award as a junior in 2002-03, when he averaged 22.8 points, 10.4 rebounds and 3.2 blocks per game.
The Knicks drafted Sweetney with the No. 9 overall pick in 2003. He started 29 of his 119 appearances with the Knicks before they traded him to the Chicago Bulls as part of the 2005 deal that sent center Eddy Curry to New York.
Sweetney spent two seasons with the Bulls before playing overseas for much of the following decade.
In four NBA seasons from 2003-07, Sweetney averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game, starting 73 of his 233 appearances.
Sweetney had been open about the mental health battles he endured early in his career, using his story to raise awareness.
After his playing career, Sweetney coached as an assistant at New York City’s Yeshiva University from 2019-23.
“Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many,” the Knicks said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family.”
