Ex-New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls star dies as tributes paid to ‘unimaginable particular person’
Former New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls star Michael Sweetney, who was a first round NBA draft pick, has sadly passed away at the age of 43, his wife has confirmed
Mike Sweetney playing for the New York Knicks in 2004(Image: Getty Images)
A former basketball star who played for some of the biggest teams in the NBA has tragically passed away at the age of 43. Michael Sweetney, who played for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, had been working as an assistant coach at New York’s Yeshiva University since 2019 after ending his playing career.
No cause of death has been given but the sad news was confirmed by Sweetney’s wife India, who posted a message on social media that she was “deeply saddened to announce”.
Sweetney made a name for himself at Georgetown from 2000 until 2003, which led him to being a first round draft pick in the the Knicks in 2003.
Sweetney went on to play for the Chicago Bulls(Image: NBAE via Getty Images)
India wrote on Facebook: “With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,’ ‘To know Mike Sweetney was love to him. 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. 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. We appreciate every call and text of love and support. We just asked that right now You give us all a little time before you start to reach out because it’s been pretty overwhelming. Thank you and God bless.”
Sweetney was the Knicks first draft pick in 2003(Image: NBAE via Getty Images)
Despite the huge hopes and potential, Sweetney went on to struggle during his Knicks career and was let go to join the Chicago Bulls. However, conditioning issues plagued his career and he was let go by the Bulls in 2007.
He was handed an opprotunity to stay in the NBA with the Boston Celtics but a move never materlised after a summer league invite. Sweetney did continue his career in basketballl but played overseas in China and Latin America.
In a short tribute on X, the New York Knicks said: “The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney. Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family.”
