Knicks Release Statement On Death Of Michael Sweetney

Nathaniel S&period; Butler/Getty Images

Knicks Release Statement On Death Of Michael Sweetney

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Sep 17, 2026 5:34 PM ET

The New York Knicks and the wider New York-area basketball world lost a beloved figure this week as former forward and coach Michael Sweetney passed away. He was 43 years old.

Sweetney was the former No. 9 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft and played two seasons with the Knicks plus two more seasons with the Chicago Bulls before spending the next decade bouncing around foreign clubs. After retiring, he went into coaching New York area college and schools.

“With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,” Sweetney’s wife India wrote on Facebook. “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.”

Jul 2, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; 3’s Company player Michael Sweetney (34) shoots the ball against Ghost Ballers player Mike Bibby (10) at Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports© Jeremy Brevard-Imagn Images

The Knicks Speak Out

This afternoon, the Knicks released a statement on the passing of their alum.

“The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney. Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family,” the team said in a statement.

The Knicks are saddened to hear about the passing of Michael Sweetney.

Michael was an incredible person who will be missed by many. Our thoughts are with his family. pic.twitter.com/T071Ie4SnL
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) September 17, 2026

Fans paid tribute to the fallen coach and player on X.

“Gone way, way too soon. A wonderful man – plenty of smiles and humility. Prayers and condolences to his family and friends. 2 seasons with the Bulls- 114 games 2005-07,” one user wrote on X.

“43 is way too young to go out I loved him at Georgetown, I thought he was the next Patrick Ewing,” another lamented.

“He saw the Knicks win before his passing. Glad he got to be appreciated before his passing. Rest in Heaven,” wrote a third.

In three seasons at Georgetown, Sweetney became one of the Hoyas’ all-time leaders in points, rebounds and blocks. In the NBA, he averaged 6.5 points and 4.5 rebounds per game on an average of 15.5 minutes. He started 73 of 233 games for the Knicks and Bulls.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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