Robert Tractor Traylor: Why Draft-Day Trade Ensured Traylor Spot in NBA History

While he didn’t play very long in the United States, Robert Tractor Traylor is one of those players you will never forget.

Early Wednesday, Traylor was found dead in his apartment in Puerto Rico where he had been playing basketball, according to the Bayamon Vaqueros' team site.

Traylor had heart problems earlier in life and it is suspected that he died of a heart attack at the age of 34. In 2005, Traylor had surgery on his aorta and then signed on with the New Jersey Nets. The deal fell through due to his failing a physical examination.

While he was a well-liked player, he struggled with his weight and conditioning and never fulfilled the potential he had in the NBA. He spent seven years in the NBA, playing for Milwaukee, Cleveland, Charlotte and New Orleans.

The 6'8", 300-pound Traylor was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the sixth pick in 1998, but was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks for the draft rights to center Dirk Nowitzki and forward Pat Garrity.

Another stellar move by the Milwaukee Bucks.

I know the Bucks had no idea Dirk Nowitzki would become what he has, but doesn’t it always happen like that for the Bucks?

Let’s compare their careers for a moment.

While Traylor only played parts of seven seasons in the NBA, Nowitzki is going on his 14th season next year.

Traylor was a solid rebounder at Michigan University who could add some on the offensive end as well. When he got to the NBA, his conditioning limited him to just over 15 minutes a game and 4.8 PPG, .7 APG and 3.7 RPG averages for his career.

Nowitzki’s career turned out a little different.

Over his span with the Dallas Mavericks, Nowitzki has averaged 23 PPG, 2.7 APG and 8.4 RPG; he has been considered one of the best power forwards in our game today and one of the greatest shooting seven-footers in history.

Some people even consider Nowitzki one of the top 20 players in NBA history, but I think he has some playoff games to win before I make that distinction.

With all of Nowitzki’s success over the years, he will go down in history as one of the best ever. Part of his story is being traded for “Tractor” Traylor and in that, he will never be forgotten long after those who saw him play are gone as well.

We all wish his wife and kids, as well as his entire family and fanbase, the best of luck through this period.

Check back for more on the NBA Playoffs as they come, and check out Bleacher Report’s Basketball Page to get your fill of the NBA.