Mike Sweetney, former top Knicks draft pick, dead at 43

Mike Sweetney, a Georgetown star whom the Knicks selected with the No. 9 pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, died at 43 years old.

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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.”

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.”

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

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.

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“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.

“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.

“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.

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