Who Is Nick Gilbert? Wiki, Age, Wife, Height, Family, Net Worth & BIO of Dan Gilbert’s Son

Nick Gilbert was a young man who became famous for his role as the lucky charm of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the NBA team owned by his father, Dan Gilbert. He was also known for his courageous battle with a rare genetic disorder that caused tumors to grow on his nerves. He passed away in 2023 at the age of 26, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration and hope.
Early Life and Family
Nick was born on July 21, 1996, in Detroit, Michigan. He was the eldest of five children of Dan Gilbert, the billionaire founder and chairman of Rocket Mortgage, and Jennifer Gilbert, a philanthropist and interior designer. He had four siblings: Grant, Nash, Max, and AJ.
Nick was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) when he was a toddler. NF1 is a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow on the brain, spinal cord, and skin. There is no cure for NF1, and it can cause various complications such as learning disabilities, vision problems, pain, and cancer.

Despite his condition, Nick lived a normal and happy childhood. He attended Detroit Country Day School and later Michigan State University, where he studied advertising management. He was an avid sports fan, especially of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the team that his father bought in 2005. He also enjoyed playing video games, listening to music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Nick Gilbert Wiki/Bio
Name | Nick Gilbert |
---|---|
Birth date | July 21, 1996 |
Death date | May 6, 2023 |
Age | 26 |
Parents | Dan Gilbert and Jennifer Gilbert |
Siblings | Grant, Nash, Max, and AJ |
Occupation | Student |
Net worth | Estimated between $1 million and $7 million |
Disease | Neurofibromatosis type 1 |
Height | 5 feet 6 inches |
Weight | 65 kilograms (approx.) |
Girlfriend | Unknown |
Wikipedia | Not Live |
nickgilbert | |
Homepage | newsunzip.com |
NBA draft lottery and fame
Gilbert rose to fame in 2011, when he represented the Cleveland Cavaliers at the NBA draft lottery. The draft lottery is an annual event where the teams that did not make the playoffs are randomly assigned a pick in the upcoming draft. The team with the worst record has the highest chance of getting the first pick, which is usually the most coveted and valuable.
The Cavaliers had a dismal season in 2010-11, finishing with a 19-63 record. They had lost their star player, LeBron James, who left the team as a free agent to join the Miami Heat. The Cavs had two chances to get the first pick in the 2011 draft: their own pick, which had a 19.9% chance, and a pick they acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers, which had a 2.8% chance.

Nick, who was 14 years old at the time, was chosen by his father to be the team’s representative at the lottery. He wore a bow tie and thick glasses, and had a confident and charismatic demeanor. He was interviewed by ESPN reporter Heather Cox, who asked him about his role as his father’s “personal hero”. Nick replied with a witty and memorable phrase: “What’s not to like?”
To the surprise and delight of the Cavs fans, Nick’s luck paid off. The Cavs won the first pick with the Clippers’ pick, beating the odds of 98.2%. They also got the fourth pick with their own pick. The Cavs used the first pick to select Kyrie Irving, a point guard from Duke University, who would become an All-Star and a key player in the team’s championship run in 2016. They used the fourth pick to select Tristan Thompson, a power forward from Texas, who would also become a valuable contributor to the team.
Nick’s appearance at the lottery made him an instant celebrity. He was dubbed “Nick the Kid” and “The Luckiest Kid in the World” by the media and the fans. He received praise and admiration from many NBA players, coaches, and executives. He also became a social media sensation, with his phrase “What’s not to like?” trending on X/Twitter.
Nick would return to the lottery several more times, representing the Cavs in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The Cavs won the first pick again in 2013 and 2014, making them the only team in NBA history to win the lottery three times in four years. They used the picks to select Anthony Bennett, Andrew Wiggins, and LeBron James, respectively.
Net worth and Income Sources
According to some online sources, Nick Gilbert’s net worth was estimated to be between $1 million and $7 million. However, these sources did not provide any reliable evidence or details on how he earned his wealth. It is possible that he inherited some of his father’s fortune, as Dan Gilbert is a billionaire businessman and the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Dan Gilbert’s family foundation also donated millions of dollars to various causes, such as stroke care, health research, and neurofibromatosis awareness. Nick Gilbert was involved in some of these charitable activities, as he suffered from neurofibromatosis himself.
Disease
Nick Gilbert was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) when he was a toddler. NF1 is a genetic condition that causes non-cancerous tumors to grow on the brain, spinal cord, and skin. There is no cure for NF1, and it can cause various complications such as learning disabilities, vision problems, pain, and cancer.
Nick underwent several surgeries and treatments throughout his life to manage his condition. He had a major brain surgery in 2018, which he recovered from successfully. He continued to live his life with optimism and courage, never letting his disorder define him or limit him.
Girlfriend and Relationship
There is not much information available about Gilbert’s personal life, especially his romantic relationships. He was very private about his love life and did not share any details or photos of his girlfriend on social media. He did have an X/Instagram account, where he posted pictures of himself, his family, his friends, and his hobbies.

However, he did not have any posts that indicated that he had a girlfriend or was dating anyone. He also did not mention any names or tags of his potential partners. Therefore, it is unclear if he had a girlfriend or not at the time of his death.
Legacy and Death
Gilbert was more than just a lucky charm for the Cavs. He was also an inspiration and a role model for many people who were affected by NF1 or other challenges. He was involved in various charitable and awareness-raising activities, such as the Children’s Tumor Foundation, the Neurofibromatosis Network, and the Nick Fund. He also supported his father’s efforts to revitalize downtown Detroit and Cleveland.
Nick underwent several surgeries and treatments throughout his life to manage his condition. He had a major brain surgery in 2018, which he recovered from successfully. He continued to live his life with optimism and courage, never letting his disorder define him or limit him.
Nick passed away on May 6, 2023, at his home in Franklin, Michigan. He was surrounded by his family and loved ones. He was 26 years old. His death was mourned by many people in the NBA and beyond, who expressed their condolences and tributes to him and his family.
Nick Gilbert was a remarkable young man who touched the lives of many people with his charm, humor, and spirit. He was a beloved son, brother, friend, and fan. He was a symbol of hope and resilience for the Cavs and the NF1 community. He will forever be remembered as a Cleveland legend.