MILWAUKEE - MARCH 15: David Noel #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks gets emotional during the NBA game against the San Antonio Spurs at Bradley Center on March 15, 2007 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The Bucks won 101-90. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2007 NBAE (Photo by Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images)
Former Bucks player “Tractor” Traylor found dead at age 34
Former Bucks big man Robert “Tractor” Traylor was found dead Wednesday, the victim of what appeared to be a massive heart attack.
He was 34.
Traylor’s body was discovered in his apartment in Puerto Rico, where he was playing professionally with the Bayamon Cowboys. The Cowboys’ game tonight against Mayaguez has been suspended.
An All-American at Michigan, Traylor averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds his junior season before leaving for the NBA. He was selected sixth overall in the 1998 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks in the infamous trade which sent Dirk Nowitzki to the Mavericks, along with Pat Garrity.
In two seasons with the Bucks, Traylor never turned into the dominant post presence they had imagined, averaging 4.5 points and 3.2 rebounds in 93 games.
He was sent to Cleveland on June 27, 2000 as part of a three-team trade that brought J.R. Reid, Jason Caffey and Billy Owens to the Bucks.
The Bucks issued a statement Wednesday afternoon:
“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.
“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.”
