After battling neurofibromatosis, NICK Gilbert, the son of Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, passed away at age 26.
Gilbert, a resident of Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, passed away on Saturday as a result of a genetic disorder for which there is no known treatment.
Tumours on nerve pathways develop as a result of neurofibromatosis.
Gilbert underwent a number of surgeries in 2022 as a result of his genetic disorder, some of which required him to stay in the hospital for over a month.
He was known for representing the Cavaliers during some outstanding victories at the NBA Draught Lottery, and he frequently wore a flashy bow tie.
After representing the basketball team at the 2011 draught lottery after LeBron James’ initial departure, Gilbert earned the nickname “good luck charm” for the team.
The Cavaliers had two picks when they entered the lottery. The team’s own selection, however, which had the best chance of winning the top spot, dropped to fourth place.
They were fortunate to obtain a pick from the Los Angeles Clippers, which had a 2.8% chance of going first and gave them the lottery and the right to choose Kyrie Irving.
Gilbert participated on the team’s behalf in the lottery in 2012 and 2013, then took a break until 2018.
Collin Sexton was selected by the Cavaliers with the eighth overall pick in 2018.
In 2021, the team still benefited from Gilbert’s luck thanks to Cavaliers general manager Koby Altman’s representation.
The Cavaliers were able to land up-and-coming star Evan Mobley after Gilbert sent Altman two of his bowties as a good luck charm.
The 2022–2023 Cavaliers season was a tribute to Gilbert and other neurofibromatosis patients.
In Gilbert’s honour, bowties were worn everywhere as part of what the team dubbed the “bow tie campaign.”
The broadcasters, coaches, and members of the front office all wore bow ties, and the Cavaliers had bow tie emblems on their warm-up jackets.
In 2017, Gilbert established NF Forward, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting neurofibromatosis research and educating the public about the genetic disorder.
