Former NBA Forward Michael Sweetney Dies at 43

Michael Sweetney, who played four NBA seasons after a standout career at Georgetown, died Wednesday at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.

Michael Sweetney, a former first-round NBA draft pick who played for the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls, died Wednesday at Newark Beth Israel Medical Center at age 43. The Knicks, Bulls, and Georgetown University confirmed his passing on September 17, 2026, though no cause of death was provided.

Selected ninth overall in the 2003 draft, Sweetney appeared in 233 professional games and made 73 starts over four seasons. He averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 15.5 minutes per game during his tenure with New York (2003–2005) and Chicago (2005–2007). Following his playing career, he served as an assistant coach for the Yeshiva University men's basketball team.

At Georgetown, the forward recorded 1,750 career points, 887 rebounds, and 180 blocks, ranking ninth, fifth, and seventh in school history, respectively. He averaged double-doubles during his final two collegiate campaigns, posting 19 points and 10 rebounds in 2001-02 followed by 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds per game in 2002-03.