John "Hot Rod" Williams facts for kids
| No. 18 | |
|---|---|
| Power forward / Center | |
| Personal information | |
| Born | August 9, 1962 Sorrento, Louisiana |
| Nationality | American |
| Died | December 11, 2015 (aged 53) Baton Rouge, Louisiana |
| High school | St. Amant (St. Amant, Louisiana) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 11 in (2.11 m) |
| Listed weight | 245 lb (111 kg) |
| Career information | |
| College | Tulane (1981–1985) |
| NBA Draft | 1985 / Round: 2 / Pick: 45th overall |
| Selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers | |
| Pro career | 1985–1999 |
| Career history | |
| 1985 | Rhode Island Gulls |
| 1986 | Staten Island Stallions |
| 1986–1995 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1995–1998 | Phoenix Suns |
| 1999 | Dallas Mavericks |
| Career highlights and awards | |
|
|
| Career NBA statistics | |
| Points | 9,784 (11.0 ppg) |
| Rebounds | 5,998 (6.8 rpg) |
| Blocks | 1,456 (1.6 bpg) |
John "Hot Rod" Williams (born August 9, 1962 – died December 11, 2015) was an American professional basketball player. He played in the National Basketball Association (NBA) from 1986 to 1999. John got his nickname "Hot Rod" when he was a baby. He used to make sounds like an engine as he moved around on the floor.
Playing College Basketball
John Williams was a tall player, standing 6 feet 11 inches. He played as a power forward and center. He went to Tulane University for college. When he left, he was the second-highest scorer in the school's history.
His time at Tulane was not always easy. He sometimes missed practices. He also had to work hard to keep his grades up.
A Difficult Time
In March 1985, John Williams faced a serious accusation. He was accused of wrongdoing related to basketball games. However, after two trials, a jury found him not guilty of all charges. Because of this situation, Tulane University stopped its men's basketball program for a few years, from 1985 to 1989.
His NBA Career
The Cleveland Cavaliers chose John Williams in the 1985 NBA draft. He was the 45th player picked overall. Because of his trial, he played in the United States Basketball League for one season.
He joined the Cavaliers the next year. In his first season, he was named to the NBA All-Rookie Team. This team honors the best new players in the league. Two of his teammates, Ron Harper and Brad Daugherty, also made the team.
John Williams had one of his best seasons in 1989. He scored about 16.8 points per game. He also grabbed 8.1 rebounds and made 2.04 blocked shots per game. He often played as the team's "sixth man." This means he was usually the first player to come off the bench.
After the 1989-90 season, he signed a big contract with the Cavaliers. It was a 7-year deal worth $26.5 million. This made him one of the highest-paid players in the NBA at that time. It was a very high salary for a sixth man. For many years, he was the Cavaliers' all-time leader in blocked shots. Later, Žydrūnas Ilgauskas passed his record.
John Williams played nine seasons with the Cavaliers. Then, he was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1995. He finished his NBA career playing for the Dallas Mavericks.
Family and Later Life
John Williams had five children: John Williams Jr., John Francis Williams, Johnna Williams, John Paul Williams, and Sydney Gibbs. His nephew, Toe Nash, also became a professional athlete, playing baseball.
John Williams was diagnosed with colon cancer in April 2014. He passed away on December 11, 2015, at the age of 53, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
See also
- List of National Basketball Association career blocks leaders
