Photo: Getty Images
Former New York Knicks first-round pick Michael Sweetney has died at 43, his wife, India, announced Thursday (September 17).
India shared the news in a Facebook post, remembering Sweetney as her best friend for 30 years and her husband for nearly 20. She said their children “were the light of his life” and that he devoted himself to giving them the best life possible.
“He was the best son, brother, family member, friend, father and husband ANYONE could ask for,” India wrote. She also thanked people for their support and asked for time and privacy as the family grieves.
The Knicks chose Sweetney with the ninth pick in the 2003 NBA Draft following his Georgetown career, according to The Associated Press. He spent two seasons with New York before joining the Chicago Bulls and played four seasons in the NBA overall.
The AP reported that Sweetney appeared in 233 NBA games and averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. He then played professionally overseas before transitioning into coaching.
Sweetney was set to become the head coach of the boys' varsity basketball team at Golda Och Academy in West Orange for the 2026-27 season, NJ.com reported. He had previously worked as an assistant coach at Yeshiva University.
Sweetney’s cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
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