Michael Sweetney, who played four seasons in the NBA with the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls after a standout college career at Georgetown, has died. He was 43.
The Knicks, Bulls and Georgetown acknowledged Sweetney’s death with posts on social media. He died Wednesday at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
The NBA mourns the passing of Michael Sweetney (1982-2026). The No. 9 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, Michael played 4 NBA seasons with the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls. We extend our deepest condolences to the Sweetney family. pic.twitter.com/eWWUHOsdt9
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) September 17, 2026
A Facebook post from Michael Sweetney’s wife about his passing.
Terrible news. Great guy and a big heart. pic.twitter.com/hJ3tsXKJ9Q
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) September 17, 2026
The Knicks selected Sweetney out of Georgetown with the ninth overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. He played for the Knicks from 2003-05 and for the Bulls from 2005-07.
Sweetney posted career averages of 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 15.5 minutes in 233 career games, including 73 starts.
That followed a productive career at Georgetown.
He averaged double-doubles each of his final two college seasons with 19 points and 10 rebounds per game in 2001-02 and 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in 2002-03.
Sweetney ranks fifth in Georgetown history in career rebounds (887), seventh in career blocks (180) and ninth in career points (1,750).
He later worked as an assistant coach at Yeshiva University, a Division III school in New York.
“The world lost a giant today,” Yeshiva head coach Elliot Steinmetz said in an X post. “I lost a close friend. The basketball world lost a beloved star. Our Jewish community lost an ally and someone who knew exactly how to show up. Mike Sweetney wasn’t just a friend. He was family. When you needed him, he was there. Always. You didn’t even have to ask.”