CLEVELAND (AP) – Nicola “Nick” Gilbert, son Cleveland Cavaliers Owner Dan Gilbert who became the team’s lucky charm in the NBA lottery has died. He was 26 years old.
A funeral notice posted by Ira Kauffman’s church said Gilbert died Saturday “peacefully in a home surrounded by family.”
Gilbert was diagnosed as a child with neurofibromatosis (NF1), a genetic condition that causes the development of non-cancerous tumors in the brain, spinal cord, and skin. There is no cure.
Wearing his signature tie and dark-rimmed glasses, Gilbert became a sensation when he represented the team in the 2011 draft lottery.
One season after leaving LeBron James as a free agent, Cleveland ended up with the #1 overall pick and used it to select Kyrie Irving, who became an All-Star and later joined James to win the championship in 2016.
Then 14-year-old Nick Gilbert quipped, “What’s not to like?” After his father praises his efforts and calls him his hero.
Gilbert has represented the Cavs in several sweepstakes. Cleveland also had first place in 2013 and 2014. He often attends team games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse with his dad and mom Jennifer.
The Cavaliers dedicated the 2022-23 season to young Gilbert. The team wore tie emblems to keep warm to honor him and to raise awareness of the disease. Nick Gilbert was first diagnosed with NF1 as a young child.
While attending Michigan State in 2018, Gilbert underwent an eight-hour operation on his brain.
Gilbert’s funeral will be held Tuesday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield, Michigan.