Nick Gilbert, the son of Cleveland Cavaliers staff proprietor Dan Gilbert who turned the group’s good luck appeal at NBA Draft lotteries, has died. He was 26.
Gilbert was identified with neurofibromatosis (NF1) as a toddler. The illness is a genetic situation that causes non-cancerous tumors to develop on the mind, spinal wire and pores and skin. There isn’t a remedy.
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Proprietor Dan Gilbert and Nick Gilbert of the Cleveland Cavaliers after successful the general primary choose through the NBA Draft Lottery on Could 21, 2013, at ABC Information’ “Good Morning America” Instances Sq. Studio in New York Metropolis. (Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)
The Ira Kaufman Chapel mentioned Saturday in an announcement that Gilbert died “peacefully at house surrounded by household.” He lived in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Gilbert turned a viral sensation when he wore a bow tie and dark-rimmed glasses on the 2011 draft lottery. The Cavaliers ended up getting the No. 1 choose and chosen Kyrie Irving No. 1. It was one season after LeBron James left the staff to signal with the Miami Warmth.
FORMER NBA EXECUTIVE LANCE BLANKS DEAD AT 56
Nick Gilbert represents the Cleveland Cavaliers through the NBA Draft Lottery on Could 15, 2018, in Chicago, Illinois. (Gary Dineen/NBAE by way of Getty Photos)
Then 14 years previous, Gilbert quipped, “What’s to not like?” after his father had praised his efforts and known as him his hero.
He represented the Cavaliers at a number of extra lotteries. Cleveland would get the No. 1 choose in 2013 and 2014. The staff would draft Andrew Wiggins in 2014 and flip him to the Minnesota Timberwolves in a commerce that landed Kevin Love. James, Irving and Love would assist convey Cleveland a championship in 2016.
Cleveland Cavaliers proprietor Dan Gilbert congratulates his son, Nick Gilbert, after the staff received the NBA Draft lottery in New York on Could 21, 2013. (AP Photograph/Jason DeCrow, File)
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Cleveland devoted its 2022-23 season to Gilbert. The staff wore bowtie emblems on their warm-up jerseys to honor him and lift consciousness for the illness.
The Related Press contributed to this report.
