The Cleveland Cavaliers recently wrapped up their season in the first-round playoffs. The team could not hold onto the momentum created around them at the end of the regular season. They suffered a 4-1 defeat at the hands of the New York Knicks. Before the team could get over the stinging exit from this season, the Cavs family suffered the heartbreaking loss of a family member.

The son of the Cavs owner Dan Gilbert, Nick Gilbert, has passed away just before the 2023 NBA draft. The news of Gilbert, 26, passing away on Saturday, May 6th, sent the NBA world into a state of mourning. The Cavs’ lottery hero had certainly captured the hearts of faithful Cleveland fans.

Nick Gilbert passes away at the age of 26

The Donovan Mitchell-led Cavs had dedicated this season to their lucky charm. Nick was an important member of the team as his presence was considered good luck for his team. Nick was deemed to be the lottery icon for his team, making several appearances during the NBA drafts. His first appearance was in 2011 after LeBron James left Cleveland.

In October of last year, the Cavs partnered with NF Forward and the Children’s Tumor Foundation to honor Nick. He was suffering from neurofibromatosis, a type of genetic disorder that unfortunately doesn’t have a cure yet.

The Cavs started the Bow Tie campaign, in honor of Nick back in October 2022. Their mission with the campaign was to raise awareness towards the millions of people suffering from neurofibromatosis. Along with the campaign announcement, the Cavs also declared that this (2022-23) season is dedicated to the team’s beloved Nick. The Cavs players wore emblems of a bow tie on their warm-up jackets as a representation of Nick and his courage.

With his passing, the NBA world is shocked to its core as fans mourn for the young soul on social media. Several fans sent their condolences to the Cavs family and wished for Nick’s soul to rest in peace.

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NBA world mourns the death of Nick Gilbert

Nick’s death has sent shockwaves across the NBA world. At just 26 years of age, his passing away is heartbreaking. Several fans came together on social media to send their condolences to all those impacted by the loss. Here are some of the condolence messages left by fans for Nick and his family:

One fan said that Nick used to be one of the highlights of the NBA draft

Another fan bid his final goodbye to the Cavs’ lucky charm

This year’s NBA draft would prompt a lot of sadness among fans after Nick’s passing.

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