John "Hot Rod" Williams, one of the NBA's best sixth men in the 1980s and 90s, has passed away from cancer at his home near Sorrento, La. He was 53.
Williams' agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed his death Friday.
Williams, a 6-11 power forward, played 13 seasons in the NBA but was best known for being a standout with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986-95. The news stunned former teammates and executives who had been encouraged when Williams came through an earlier cancer diagnosis this year.
"It's devastating," said Wayne Embry, the Cavs general manager from 1986-99.