NEWARK, N.J. -- 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. No cause of death was given.
The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney.
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 17, 2026
Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/T071Ie4SnL
Our Bulls family extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of former Bull Michael Sweetney, who has passed away at 43. pic.twitter.com/UwXMTQ6cEt
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 17, 2026
The Knicks selected Sweetney out of Georgetown with the ninth pick in the 2003 draft. He played for the Knicks from 2003 to 2005 and for the Bulls from 2005 to 2007.
Sweetney posted career averages of 6.5 points, 4.5 rebounds and 15.5 minutes in 233 games, including 73 starts.
That followed a productive career at Georgetown.
He averaged double-doubles in each of his final two college seasons with 19 points and 10 rebounds in 2001-02 and 22.8 points and 10.4 rebounds 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 a post on X. "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."
