John 'Hot Rod' Williams dies at 53

John 'Hot Rod' Williams dies at 53

John "Hot Rod" Williams, one of the NBA's best sixth men in the 1980s and '90s, has died of cancer at his home near Sorrento, Louisiana. He was 53.

Williams' agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed his death Friday.

Williams, a 6-11 power forward, played 13 seasons in the NBA but was best known for being a standout with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1995.

"The entire Cavaliers family is deeply saddened with the news of John "Hot Rod" Williams' passing," a statement from the Cavaliers read. "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 news stunned former teammates and executives who had been encouraged when Williams came through an earlier cancer diagnosis this year.

"It's devastating," said Wayne Embry, the Cavs' 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.

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