After his contract with the Bulls, Michael Sweetney disappeared off the NBA scene entirely. And I do mean entirely.
In the two years since his contract expired, Sweetney has not been heard from. He signed with no other teams, not in the NBA or any other league, and has not had any reported workouts. He hasn't played in any summer league, hadn't tried to join the D-League, hadn't been heard from in any fluff pieces in any newspapers, or appeared anywhere at all. Last season, Sam Smith reported that not even the NBA Player's Association could get into contact with him.
The only reported Sweetney sighting in the two years hence was in a Boston Globe article that mentioned how Sweetney was in the crowd at Bulls vs Celtics game 7 last month. That was it. Believe me, I've been looking for me. But there wasn't any.
It turns out that that sighting may have actually meant something, though. In news that will please anyone who likes feel-good stories, Sweetney has begun a comeback in earnest, signing with the Celtics for their summer league team. This is great news, as Sweetney's career was more than in trouble before now. if it didn't happen now, then maybe it was never going to,
What he's got to give right now, I don't know. Constantly battled by weight troubles, and with two years out of the professional game, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Sweetney struggle early as he works to find the skill again. But if he can keep the weight down, and find the cure to whatever made it keep going up in the first place, then Sweetney may have something to give in the NBA down the road. Maybe.
(The Bulls still have full Bird rights on him, by the way. Just firing it out there.)
Filed under: Uncategorized
Tags: Celtics, chicago bulls, Good Times, Michael Sweetney, Summer League
HE used to give us really good points in the paint before he got tired. No one could stop him. I remember he dunked one game and almost tore down the backboard. He would give us size in the post. I would love to bring him in to see his curent state but he could be something of an asset. Big Baby vs Sweets would be a box out match to behold for ages.