Former NBA Pick Michael Sweetney Dies at 43

Michael Sweetney, a former New York Knicks lottery pick who later became a coach and mental health advocate, has died at the age of 43. His wife, India Sweetney, announced his passing on Thursday in a social media post, stating the family was "deeply saddened by the news." The New York Knicks also issued a statement expressing their condolences. No cause of death was disclosed. Sweetney was selected by the Knicks with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft following a standout college career at Georgetown University. From 2000 to 2003, he was a two-time All-American for the Hoyas, averaging 18.2 points and 9.2 rebounds per game. His professional NBA career spanned four seasons, with two years in New York followed by two years with the Chicago Bulls. He averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game over 233 regular-season appearances. After his time in the NBA, Sweetney continued his playing career for nearly a decade in international leagues across China, Puerto Rico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic. He retired as a player in 2017 and transitioned into coaching.