Rest in peace.
NBA
New York Knicks
Mike Sweetney, former top Knicks draft pick, dead at 43
By
Justin Terranova
Published Sep. 17, 2026
Updated Sep. 17, 2026, 2:59 p.m. ET
Mike Sweetney, a Georgetown star whom
the Knicks selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, died at 43 years old.
The news was announced by his wife, India, in a Facebook post Thursday.
“With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,” India wrote. “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.”
Mike Sweetney #50 of the New York Knicks slam dunks the ball during the first quarter of a game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, March 23, 2005. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
No cause of death was announced.
India recently set up a Go Fund Me that simply said, “God Bless and thank you,” with a goal of $10,000.
“He was the best son, brother, family member, friend, father and husband ANYONE could ask for,” India wrote. “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.”
Mike Sweetney #50 of the New York Knicks grabs his jersey during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Madison Square Garden, Sunday, January 23, 2005. Susan May Tell for NY Post
Sweetney, who battled weight issues throughout his NBA career, played two seasons for the Knicks and showed improvement in Year 2, averaging 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds per game.
He was traded that offseason to the Bulls, though, in a deal that brought Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis to New York.
After two seasons in Chicago, Sweetney continued his basketball career overseas.
Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Miami Heat looks for an opening as Mike Sweetney #50 of the New York Knicks plays defense during the first quarter of a game at Madison Square Garden, Tuesday, March 15, 2005. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
Mike Sweetney #50 of the New York Knicks, Jerome Williams #31 of the New York Knicks, and Stephon Marbury #3 of the New York Knicks sit during a game against the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, March 23, 2005. Charles Wenzelberg/NY Post
The Washington DC native played in China, Puerto Rico and South America before retiring from the sport in 2017.
Sweetney moved into coaching and was an assistant for Yeshiva University in New York City starting in 2019.
“The world lost a giant today. I lost a close friend,” Yeshiva head coach Elliot Steinmetz said on X. “The basketball world lost a beloved star. Our Jewish community lost an ally and someone who knew exactly how to show up.
New York Knicks draft picks, from left, Slavko Vranes, Mike Sweetney and Maciej Lampe pose for photos outside of Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Jim Alcorn for NY Post
New York Knicks 1st round draft pick Mike Sweetney attends a press conference at Madison Square Garden after being introduced to the press, Wednesday, June 25, 2003. Jim Alcorn for NY Post
“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.”
Sweetney spoke to The Post’s Stefan Bondy in June about conquering his past mental health struggles and anxiety after not living up to the expectations that come with being a top draft pick in New York.
He said the Knicks invited him to three games this past season as they were on their way to the franchise’s first championship in 53 years.
Former New York Knick Mike Sweetney, center, and assistant coaches for Yeshiva University men’s basketball, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2019, in New York. Corey Sipkin for NY Post
The world lost a giant today. 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…
pic.twitter.com/mwRh9UQgjA
— Elliot Steinmetz (@elliotsteinmetz)
September 17, 2026
“It means a lot,” Sweetney, who had moved to New Jersey five years ago, said. “I didn’t have the career I could have had. But for them to have me back and welcome me with open arms.”
Before coming to the Knicks, Sweetney was a dominant force for Georgetown.
In his junior season, he averaged nearly 23 points a game and was a finalist for the Player of the Year Award.
Code:
https://nypost.com/2026/09/17/sports/mike-sweetney-former-top-knicks-draft-pick-dead-at-43/
