Nicholas “Nick” Gilbert, the 26-year-old son of Rockets hostage and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and his wife, Jennifer, died Saturday.
Gilbert suffered from neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow on nerve pathways anywhere in the body. There is no known cure.
Nick is one of five Gilbert children.
A funeral service will be held Tuesday at Temple israel in West Bloomfield Township an online obituary,
Nick Gilbert was known as the Cavaliers good luck charm During the 2011 NBA Draft Lottery, when he served as the team's representative during the live broadcasts. The Cavaliers earned the No. 1 draft pick and later used it to select point guard kyrie Irving.
In later years, Nick – with a tie and thick glasses – returned to the draft lottery. The Cavs also earned the No. 1 overall selection in 2013 and 2014.
In 2022-23 season, Cavaliers honor Nick and those affected by neurofibromatosis dedicating my entire season to him, Teams sported the bowtie logo on their warmup jackets, while commentators, coaches and front office staff wore lapel pins bearing the symbol.
This article was originally published on the Detroit Free Press: Nick Gilbert, son of Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, dies at 26