As a teenager, Robert “Tractor” Trayler was named a McDonald’s All-American the same year Vince Carter, Kevin 
Garnett and Paul Pierce made the list. Since that time Traylor struggled to remove the “draft bust” sign that followed him throughout much of his NBA career while the other three stars appeared in several All-Star games and (or) hoisted an NBA Championship trophy.
The sadder news to this story came today when officials in San Juan, Puerto Rico, reported Traylor was found dead in his oceanfront apartment after apparently suffering a heart attack. Traylor was a member of the Bayoman Cowboys pro team there.
Traylor’s road to the NBA started while playing for the University of Michigan but shortly after draft day, he began his gypsy-like journey throughout the league. A No. 6 overall pick in 1998 by the Dallas Mavericks, Traylor was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for Pat Garrity and Dirk Nowitzki…yeah that Dirk.
Traylor never found a permanent home in the NBA, being relegated to the bench while donning jerseys in Milwaukee, Cleveland, New Orleans and Charlotte. His best offensive output during his 7-year career came in 2000-01 when he finished with a 5.7 PPG average.
“Tractor” was still a young man at 34-years-old and at one time showed great potential, possibly more than the German prospect Nowitzki. However, Traylor had difficulty making the adjustments and responded to the challenge by growing out of shape while never seeming able to fill an NBA jersey.
While Traylor’s wife, family and friends mourn his death the Bucks released a statement:
“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.”
Used with permission of the author.
Jay Donetelli is a Tampa-based freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal cult of readers who have found a way to love him.
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