Latest posts by Colton Jones (see all)
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In the best news received all season, Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert tweeted a message that his son survived eight hours of brain surgery.
Nick Gilbert, 21, underwent the surgical procedures to treat a brain tumor in a Detroit-area hospital. Dan Gilbert said Nick made it through the surgery and then 48 hours of rest. However, he still has “hurdles ahead.”
Miracles do happen!After 8 long hrs of brain surgery & 48 hrs rest,Nick is recovering nicely. Endless gratitude to the many souls whose thoughts & prayers surely impacted positive outcome. Nick still has hurdles ahead but true hope is now alive.1st question:”Did @cavs beat OKC?” pic.twitter.com/9ojbreTZmJ
— Dan Gilbert (@cavsdan) February 16, 2018
Cavaliers players and coaches sent video messages to Nick before the Cavs played at Oklahoma City on Tuesday night.
In his message, Dan Gilbert said Nick’s first question after undergoing the surgery was, “Did the Cavs beat OKC?” (They did, 120-112).
Cavaliers coach Tyronn Lue wished Nick well after practice Monday.
“It’s tough,” he said. “A lot of guys sent out a video to Gillie (Monday). Just wished him luck. We’re all praying for him and wish him the best. Hate to see a young guy go through that, let alone anyone, but being so young and having so much spirit that he has is great. So we are all praying for him and wish him well.”
Nick was born with neurofibromas, commonly referred to as NF, a nerve disorder that causes tumors to grow anywhere in the body. Nick’s grow in his brain. He has already been through one life-saving brain surgery more than 10 years ago and has been treated by chemotherapy on and off for 15 years.
Nick, now a student at Michigan State University, his father’s alma mater, received national attention for his performance while being the Cavaliers’ good-luck charm at the 2011 NBA draft lottery. That night, with Nick wearing a flashy bowtie, the Cavaliers were reared the No. 1 pick in the draft. The bowtie is part of his father’s tweet.
A team spokesman was there was no more information to share.
Great news for Nick and the Gilbert family! Wish him the best! Get well Nick, we need you again for the draft!