Nick Gilbert awakes from brain surgery, asks for Cavaliers-Thunder result

DJ Dunson
FILE – In this May 21, 2013, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert congratulates his son, Nick Gilbert, after the team won the NBA basketball draft lottery in New York. Nick Gilbert underwent major brain surgery this week. A team spokesman said the 21-year-old will have the operation in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File)
FILE – In this May 21, 2013, file photo, Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert congratulates his son, Nick Gilbert, after the team won the NBA basketball draft lottery in New York. Nick Gilbert underwent major brain surgery this week. A team spokesman said the 21-year-old will have the operation in Detroit. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow, File)

While the Cleveland Cavaliers were undergoing a complete roster reconstruction, owner Dan Gilbert has been preoccupied with major surgery being prepared on his son Nick.

During Sunday’s Celtics-Cavaliers telecast, Doris Burke reported Nick’s upcoming brain surgery to treat a tumor and the team spokesman soon confirmed the report. Nick, 21, was born with neurofibromatosis, an incurable condition that triggers tumor growth on nerve tissues and Tuesday’s surgery was the second procedure he’s had to remove a tumor.

Nick, who currently attends his father’s alma mater, Michigan State University, underwent major surgery 10 years ago and has been undergoing chemotherapy sporadically for the past 15 years. On Thursday, Dan tweeted out a positive update on Nick’s well-being after he awoke for the first time since his surgery on Tuesday.

Fortunately, Dan had good news for Nick in the aftermath of the Cavaliers’ 120-112 victory over the Thunder. Following Cleveland’s win over Oklahoma City, the Cavs players and coaches recorded video well-wishes for Nick. Gilbert gained national acclaim as the Cavaliers’ “good luck charm” after representing the franchise at the 2011 and 2013 NBA Draft lotteries where he discussed his battle with neurofibromatosis.

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DJ Dunson is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at dunsnchecksin@yahoo.com or find him on Twitter or Facebook.