What happened: Sweetney was the No. 9 pick in the 2003 draft out of Georgetown, and his wife, India, announced his death Thursday. After his NBA career, he continued playing overseas and later joined Yeshiva University as an assistant coach in 2019.
Why it matters: The loss resonates in New York and Chicago because Sweetney's career touched both franchises as a former lottery pick. He remained part of the city's basketball circle after retirement, becoming the same Mike Sweetney who later coached at Yeshiva University.
By the numbers: Sweetney was selected No. 9 overall in 2003 and averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in his second Knicks season. He played two NBA seasons with New York, two with Chicago, then continued his career overseas before retiring in 2017.
What to watch: Tributes from former teams, teammates and coaches are likely to continue as the news spreads. Any memorial information would come through Sweetney's family or former organizations.