Remembering Nick Gilbert: Son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert dies at 26 – ESPN

The passing of Nick Gilbert has shocked the NBA community, as well as those who followed the Cleveland Cavaliers over the years. He was just 26 years old when he passed away on Saturday due to complications caused by neurofibromatosis (NF1), a genetic condition that affects the growth of noncancerous tumors along nerve pathways in the body. Nick was the son of Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and a frequent representative for the team during the NBA draft lottery.

The news of Nick Gilbert’s passing was shared by the Ira Kaufman Chapel in Southfield, Michigan, where his funeral will be held on Tuesday at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Since the announcement of his death, tributes have come pouring in from across the NBA, as well as from the broader Detroit community.

“Nick inspired people everywhere with his bravery and brought joy to everyone he met,” wrote Detroit mayor Mike Duggan on Twitter. “All of Detroit has the Gilbert family in our prayers today.”

The Gilbert family has been committed to fighting NF1, and in 2017, they launched a foundation that has funded over $18 million in research grants towards finding a cure for Type 1 neurofibromatosis. Additionally, the Cavaliers dedicated their recently concluded season to Nick Gilbert and others affected by the condition. The team wore bowtie emblems on their warmups to honor him and raise awareness for the disease, as Nick was known for his love of wearing bowties.

Nick Gilbert’s frequent appearances at the NBA draft lottery brought good luck to the Cavaliers, as they secured the number one draft picks twice with him in attendance. In 2011, they used the pick to select Kyrie Irving, and in 2013, they took Anthony Bennett. Nick’s presence at the draft lottery was always a symbol of hope and positivity for the Cavaliers and their fans.

Nick Gilbert’s life and passing should serve as a reminder of the importance of raising awareness and funding for rare genetic conditions such as NF1. His family’s commitment to finding a cure for the condition is a reminder that there is always hope for those affected by rare diseases and genetic disorders.

In conclusion, Nick Gilbert’s tragic death has left a void in the NBA community and beyond, as he was known for his bravery in the face of adversity and his infectious positivity. The Gilbert family’s commitment to finding a cure for NF1 is an inspiration to all who are affected by rare diseases, and we should all strive to honor Nick’s memory by supporting efforts towards finding a cure and raising awareness for NF1.

Family or Remembrance.-sports,basketball,ClevelandCavaliers,DanGilbert,NickGilbert,ESPN,tragedy,mourning