 Robert Traylor, a former NBA big man nicknamed "Tractor," died sometime this week in Puerto Rico. He was just 34 years of age.
Traylor played seven years in the NBA -- for the Milwaukee Bucks, the Cavs, and Hornets. However, he was probably most remembered for his career at the University of Michigan, where he was a standout for three seasons, but it was overshadowed in a major scandal involving a booster.
According to ESPN.com, police in San Juan, Puerto Rico said Traylor was found dead Wednesday (May 11) on the bedroom floor of his oceanfront apartment.
Police and Traylor's team, the Bayamon Cowboys, said he had been missing for a few days and apparently died from a heart attack.
"He was a leader of the team," said Jose Carlos Perez, the Cowboys' manager. "He was very, very friendly. He got along very well with everyone. The fans loved him, idolized him."
He was described as a "gentle giant" for his huge frame. Standing at 6'8" and 300 pounds, Traylor was huge! He had previously been injured and had not been playing for Puerto Rican pro-team, the Bayamon Cowboys.
Traylor was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the sixth pick in 1998, but they traded his rights to Milwaukee in a major deal that sent Dirk Nowitzki to Dallas. He played for the Bucks in his first two seasons of an NBA career.
"The entire Milwaukee Bucks organization is saddened by the news of Robert Traylor's death," the Bucks said in a statement. "Robert was a fierce competitor on the court who helped the Bucks reach the playoffs in each of his two seasons in Milwaukee.
Traylor is survived by his wife and two sons.
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