Mike Sweetney, former Knicks top 10 draft pick, dies at 43
Former Knick Mike Sweetney posts up Brian Scalabrine of the New Jersey Nets on Dec. 14, 2004 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, N.J. Credit: Getty Images/Ezra Shaw
Mike Sweetney, once a highly-touted Knicks draft pick, has died. He was 43. .
Sweetney, the No. 9 overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft, came to the Knicks with high expectations. But when his wife, India Murray Sweetney, announced Thursday in a social media post that he had passed away, the lasting memory was more about his personality and demeanor.
“With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,” his wife wrote. “To know @mikesweetney was to love 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. He was the best son, brother, family member, friend, father and husband ANYONE could ask for. 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 @mikesweetney.”
The Knicks posted on social media: “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”.
Former Knick Mike Sweetney teaching young children basketball skills during a NBA Players Skills Clinic at the Sid Jacobson JCC in East Hills on Jan. 2, 2025. Credit: Newsday/J. Conrad Williams Jr.
After a stellar three-year college career at Georgetown, the 6-8 Sweetney, a center and power forward, spent two seasons with the Knicks, appearing in 42 games as a rookie and 77 in his second season, including 28 starts. He averaged 8.4 points and 5.4 rebounds in his second season. Sweetney averaged 7 points and 4.8 rebounds in 119 total games with the Knicks.
On the eve of his third season, he was part of a trade with the Bulls that brought Eddy Curry and Antonio Davis to the Knicks. Sweetney spent two seasons in Chicago before embarking on an overseas career.
In 2019, he joined Yeshiva University as an assistant men's basketball coach, a role he served in until 2023. He later coached a girls high school team in New York City.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
