The AP reports:
 |
Former NBA and University of Michigan player Robert “Tractor” Traylor has died. He was 34.
Police in San Juan, Puerto Rico, said in a statement he was found dead Wednesday on the bedroom floor of his oceanfront apartment. Police and the Bayamon Cowboys basketball team said he had been missing for a few days and apparently died from a heart attack.
The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports:
The 6-foot-8 Traylor, a former University of Michigan star, played for the Milwaukee Bucks from 1998-2000. He had been playing in a Puerto Rican professional league.
On draft night in 1998, the Bucks traded the rights to Dirk Nowitzki and Pat Garrity to the Dallas Mavericks for the rights to Traylor.
Statement from Milwaukee Bucks on the death of Robert Traylor: “The entire Milwaukee Bucks organization is saddened by the news of Robert Traylor’s death. Robert was a fierce competitor on the court who helped the Bucks reach the playoffs in each of his two seasons in Milwaukee (1998-2000). Off the court he was a gentle giant, displaying his smile and care, especially toward young people through his involvement in school visits and his work with the Special Olympics clinic. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.”
The following statement was released today on behalf of the New Orleans Hornets Organization upon learning of the passing of Robert Traylor: “The entire New Orleans Hornets organization is deeply saddened by the news of Robert Traylor’s death. “Tractor” was a great teammate and loved by the community and our fans in both Charlotte and New Orleans during his three seasons with us. He was a compassionate human being who always had an upbeat attitude and a winning smile. Our deepest prayers and sympathies are with the Traylor family and he will be missed dearly.”
