Former Michigan star Robert “Tractor” Traylor was found dead of an apparent heart attack at age 34 in his apartment in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico, according to a Facebook posting by his team in Puerto Rico.
Police in San Juan said in a statement the 6-foot-8, 300-pound Traylor was found on the bedroom floor of his oceanfront apartment.
Traylor was taken by the Dallas Mavericks with the No. 6 pick in the 1998 NBA Draft and dealt to the Milwaukee Bucks for Pat Garrity and German prospect Dirk Nowitzki.
After stints with the Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets and Cavs again, Traylor then signed with the Nets for the 2005-06 season, but failed a physical.
Traylor battled obesity and a heart defect that required surgery on his aorta in 2006.
He played professionally in Turkey, Italy, and Puerto Rico while continuing to struggle with his weight. He was the MVP of the Turkish All-Star Game in 2009, and was named defensive player of the year in Puerto Rico in 2010.
(The AP contributed)
