He got the nickname “Hot Rod” as a baby due to his habit of making engine-like noises as he scooted backwards across the floor
Williams was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 1985 NBA Draft with the 21st pick of the second round (45th overall). However, due to the trial,(For Alleged Point shaving while in college) Williams spent the 1985–86 season playing for the United States Basketball League. Able to play for the Cavs the next year, Williams was named to the NBA all-rookie team for the 1986-87 season, along with teammates Ron Harper and Brad Daugherty. Perhaps Williams’ finest season occurred in 1989, when he averaged 16.8 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.04 blocked shots per game while mostly serving as the team’s sixth man. Williams spent nine seasons with the Cavs before being traded to the Phoenix Suns for Dan Majerle. He finished out his career with the Dallas Mavericks. Until March 22, 2009 he ranked as the Cavaliers’ all time leader in blocked shots (1,200) (surpassed by Žydrūnas Ilgauskas).
Smallthoughts: Old School Tuesday salutes a very solid and effective sixth man John Hot Rod Williams.
| Career history | |
|---|---|
| 1985 | Rhode Island Gulls (USBL) |
| 1986 | Staten Island Stallions (USBL) |
| 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) |
