John “Hot Rod” Williams, American basketball player (Cleveland Cavaliers), Died at 53

  Sports

John “Hot Rod” Williams was born on August 9, 1962 in Sorrento, Louisiana, and died on December 11, 2015.

He was an American professional basketball player.

Hot Rod a 13-year NBA career from 1986 to 1999.

Williams the small town boy, grow up near Baton Rouge, who was given the nickname “Hot Rod” as a baby, he would go around pretending to make engine noises.

Williams stands at a 6’11” power forward/center, he played collegiately at Tulane University, leaving as that school’s second all-time leading scorer.

John barely maintained a C average in high school, and had barely passed his exam finals.

During his time at Tulane, his grade point average hovered in the C-D range despite a schedule laden with “decidedly non-academic” courses such as driver’s education and weight training.

He was selected by the team ‘Cleveland Cavaliers’ in the 1985 NBA draft with the 21st pick of the second round (45th overall).

He spent nine seasons with the Cav, before he was transferred to the Phoenix Suns for Dan Majerle.

Based on trials, Williams spent from 1985–86 season playing for the United States Basketball League.

He was also was named to the NBA all-rookie team for the 1986-87 season, along with teammates Ron Harper and Brad Daugherty.

Some would say Williams’ best season occurred in 1989, when he averaged 16.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.04 blocked shots per game while mostly serving as the team’s sixth man.

Up Until March, 2009 he ranked as the Cavaliers’ all time leader in blocked shots, 1,200.
After some time with the Dallas Mavericks.

In March, 1985, John was arrested for suspicion of point shaving.

Allegedly, John had taken at least $8,550 from Gary Kranz for influencing point spreads in games against Southern Miss, Memphis State and Virginia Tech.

John had been charged with sports bribery and conspiracy.

The first trial ended in a mistrial,

The second trial, had the jury found him not guilty of all five counts.

John “Hot Rod” Williams passed away at 53 yrs old due to prostate cancer.