Nick Gilbert, well-known to NBA fans as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ emissary in the draft lottery, passed away on Saturday due to a genetic disorder. He was 26.
Nick, the son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and his wife Jennifer fought neurofibromatosis (NF1), which causes noncancerous tumors to grow in the brain, spinal cord, and skin, for his entire existence. There is no treatment available.
Southfield, Michigan’s Ira Kaufman Chapel announced his passing. The Gilberts are Michigan residents.
“Throughout his 26 years, Nick was a source of light and inspiration for so many,” the Cavaliers said in a statement released on Sunday. Nick’s unyielding spirit has been a propelling force for our organization, whether he assumed his signature role as the Cavs’ good luck charm during multiple NBA Draft Lotteries or used his voice to advocate in the fight against NF.
Since 2005, Dan Gilbert, proprietor and chairman of Rocket Companies, has owned the Cavaliers. He frequently sent Nick to the NBA draft lottery to represent the Cavaliers, and he brought the team excellent fortune. The Cavs won the No. 1 pick in the draft lottery twice while Nick, donning his signature bow tie, sat in the chair.
In 2011, it was applied to Kyrie Irving. Two years later, Anthony Bennett was chosen.
“Nick inspired people everywhere with his bravery and brought joy to everyone he met,” tweeted Detroit’s mayor Mike Duggan. Today, the entire city of Detroit is keeping the Gilbert family in its prayers.
According to the Detroit News, Gilberts established a foundation in 2017 that has funded more than $18 million in research grants to discover a cure for Type 1 neurofibromatosis.
Last season, as the younger Gilbert underwent multiple surgeries, the Cavaliers, the Gilberts Foundation, and the Children’s Tumor Foundation launched the Bow Tie campaign to raise awareness and funds for neurofibromatosis.
The Cavaliers dedicated their most recent season to Nick and others afflicted by the disease. To honor him and raise awareness about the disease, the team donned bow tie emblems on their warmup uniforms.
Tuesday will be Nick’s funeral service at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield Township, Michigan.
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