New York Knicks’ Player Ray Williams Died At 58

Former New York Knick Ray Williams died Friday at Manhattan's Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; he was 58.

Williams played 10 seasons in the NBA. The Knicks drafted him in 1977. Despite his talent NBA experts say Williams never lived up to his potential. The point guard averaged 15.5 points and 5.8 assists in his 10 year NBA career.

Williams began his career with the Knicks and was then traded to the New Jersey Nets after four seasons. In 1984 he signed with the Kansas City Kings and finished out his career playing with the Boston Celtics.

After retiring from the NBA Williams' life took a tragic turn, one that would see him bankrupt and homeless.

After a long financial struggle Williams had to file for bankruptcy in 1994. The result was the loss of his family and his home.

Writer Bob Hohler of the Boston Globe did a feature on Williams and his decline into poverty. Hohler does not describe any one major event that led to Williams' life of poverty. Rather Hohler describes it as just sort of happening.

In Hohler's piece he writes, "Every night at bedtime, former Celtic Ray Williams locks the doors of his home: a broken-down 1992 Buick, rusting on a back street where he ran out of everything. The 10-year NBA veteran formerly known as "Sugar Ray'' leans back in the driver's seat, drapes his legs over the center console, and rests his head on a pillow of tattered towels. He tunes his boom box to gospel music, closes his eyes, and wonders. Williams, a generation removed from staying in first-class hotels with Larry Bird and Co. in their drive to the 1985 NBA Finals, mostly wonders how much more he can bear."

Just when you think things can't get much worse they usually do. Ray Williams was diagnosed with Colon Cancer, which ultimately claimed his life.

Before his death Williams was back in his hometown Mount Vernon, New York. He was working for the city as a recreation specialist. The NBA was helping Williams out by paying his hospital bills.

Mike Woodson is the coach of the New York Knicks. Woodson told USA Today "It's a major loss. He's part of our Knicks family...He'll be missed. Ain't no doubt about that. He was well liked in the Community.

Fans of Williams reached out on Facebook to express their grief over Williams' death.

Teresa Harris posted, "I'm saddened by this he was a talented ball player, God bless his family."

"I too am saddened by his death. He and Michael Ray were my 2nd fav backcourt. His brother Gus and DJ were my first. May God bless his family and fans," wrote Sashi Princess Mohammed.