John "Hot Rod" Williams, a popular sixth man with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1995, died Friday from cancer. He was 53.
Williams died in a Baton Rouge, La., hospital from complications related to prostate cancer, his agent, Mark Bartelstein, said.
"The entire Cavaliers family is deeply saddened with the news of John 'Hot Rod' Williams' passing," the Cavaliers said in a team statement. "Hot Rod was, first and foremost, a great teammate, and also the kind of dependable person and player that made the Cavaliers organization proud during his almost decade-long time with the team.
"Hot Rod was the guy that willingly and pridefully drew the toughest defensive assignment. He was the kind of talented, unselfish and versatile player and person that earned the respect of everyone around him, including his teammates and opponents, and those who knew and worked with him off the court as well. In many respects, he was the humble embodiment and unsung hero of one of the most memorable and successful eras of Cavaliers basketball. Hot Rod will be greatly missed and our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
The 6-foot-11 power forward played 13 seasons in the NBA but was best known for being a standout with the Cavaliers.
"It's devastating," said Wayne Embry, the Cavaliers' general manager from 1986 to 1999. "He was a hard worker and a great player, but I liked him more as a person than a basketball player."
Williams was a Louisiana native who played at Tulane and was the school's second all-time scorer. He spent his first nine NBA seasons with Cleveland, and then closed his career with the Phoenix Suns (1995-98) and Dallas Mavericks, last playing in 1999.
"Hot Rod was a great, caring and unselfish teammate," said Danny Ferry, who was a Cavaliers teammate for six seasons. "He was a team-first guy. He was also a valuable, intelligent and very underrated player. He could defend anyone. We were all lucky to have him as a teammate and friend."
Williams played in 887 NBA games, averaging 11 points and 6.8 rebounds. During the 1989-90 season, he averaged 16.8 points and 8.1 rebounds.
"Hot Rod" was the consummate teammate and a player who took great pride in his game, especially in doing the little things to help the team win," the Suns said in a statement. "Better yet, off the court he was a humble and gracious man, willing to share his time and fun-loving nature with anyone. Today is a tough day for those who knew John, and we send our condolences to his family during this difficult time."
