Former Knicks first-round pick Michael Sweetney dies at 43

Former Knicks first-round pick Michael Sweetney has died at the age of 43.

Sweetney’s wife, India, announced his death Thursday in a Facebook post. No cause of death has been announced.

“With the heaviest hearts, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved Michael,” she wrote, via the New York Post. “His children were the light of his life, and he lived every day to give them the best life possible.”

A Washington, D.C., native, Sweetney starred at Georgetown from 2000-03 and averaged 18.2 points during his three college seasons. He earned All-American honors as a junior before entering the 2003 NBA Draft.

New York selected the 6-foot-8 power forward with the No. 9 overall pick in a celebrated draft class headlined by LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.

Sweetney spent two seasons with the Knicks before being traded to the Bulls, where he played another two years. He later continued his professional career overseas.

Following his playing career, Sweetney became an advocate for mental health awareness and spoke openly about his battles with depression and the grief he experienced following his father’s death. He also worked as an assistant coach at Yeshiva University.

Sweetney is survived by his wife and their children.