Former 1st-round pick Caleb Swanigan dies at 25

Caleb Swanigan played three seasons in the NBA.

Caleb Swanigan, a former first-round pick who spent three seasons with two teams in the NBA, has died at 25. His alma mater, Purdue University, announced his death on Tuesday morning.

The Allen County Coroner’s office confirmed Tuesday that Swanigan died Monday of natural causes at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

A private doctor will be handling his death certificate, according to Rebecca Maze, a senior investigator at the coroner’s office.

Devastated.

Our thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family and friends. The world lost a gentle soul last night.

Love you Biggie. pic.twitter.com/spU2hQtJdi

— Purdue Mens Basketball (@BoilerBall) June 21, 2022

We are heartbroken by the passing of former Trail Blazers player Caleb Swanigan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Caleb’s family, friends and all who loved him.

Rest In Peace, Biggie. pic.twitter.com/QxiGMZi5cg

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) June 21, 2022

The Portland Trail Blazers selected Swanigan with the No. 26 pick in the 2017 draft. He appeared in 75 NBA games, averaging 2.3 points and 2.1 rebounds per game.

The Blazers traded him to the Sacramento Kings on Feb. 7, 2019 for Skal Labissiere, where he spent less than a year before being dealt back to Portland on Jan. 21, 2020 with Trevor Ariza and Wenyen Gabriel for Kent Bazemore, Anthony Tolliver and two future second-round picks.

Swanigan was a star at Purdue, where he was a consensus All-American and the Big Ten Player of the Year as a sophomore, averaging 18.5 ppg, 12.5 rpg and 3.1 apg in the 2016-17 season. He was also a finalist for the Wooden, Naismith and Oscar Robertson Player of the Year awards that season as well.

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A post shared by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard)

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Caleb Swanigan. He will be remembered as a great teammate and friend. Our hearts are with his family during this incredibly difficult time. pic.twitter.com/JHdzX00JrV

— Sacramento Kings (@SacramentoKings) June 21, 2022

My thoughts and prayers to Caleb Swanigan’s family https://t.co/IHMGWTAWcw

— Jusuf Nurkić (@bosnianbeast27) June 21, 2022

I played with Caleb in sacramento, he was one of the nicest and most humble dude i played with. RIP https://t.co/dRScL4c5Oe

— Kevin Yogi Ferrell (@YogiFerrell11) June 21, 2022

https://t.co/z46tDy8OJn

— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 21, 2022

Rest In Peace pic.twitter.com/FoZVVVprsc

— Jaylen Brown (@FCHWPO) June 21, 2022

Damn Rest In Peace Biggie https://t.co/oGChng3OzE

— Miles Bridges (@MilesBridges) June 21, 2022

Damn RIP https://t.co/ScgauU3L5v

— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) June 21, 2022

Rest In Peace https://t.co/crTkmF2Nao

— Anfernee Simons (@AnferneeSimons) June 21, 2022

RIP Bro https://t.co/1JPnvqmgEn

— Jalen Brunson (@jalenbrunson1) June 21, 2022

RIP Biggie

— Harrison Barnes (@hbarnes) June 21, 2022

Got me sick to my stomach. https://t.co/07YPxVryXS

— Kyle J Guy (@kylejguy) June 21, 2022

https://t.co/FemWuc3jOl

— JJJ (@jarenjacksonjr) June 21, 2022

WOW https://t.co/gNhE1Qc3dF

— Desmond Bane (@DBane0625) June 21, 2022