Fatty Taylor
Fatty Taylor | |
|---|---|
| Born | Roland Morris Taylor 13 March 1946 Washington, D.C., U.S. |
| Died | 7 December 2017 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Professional basketball player |
| Known for | ABA and NBA basketball guard, defensive specialist |
Roland Morris "Fatty" Taylor (March 13, 1946 – December 7, 2017) was a professional basketball athlete from the United States. Standing 6 feet tall and playing as a guard, Taylor hailed from Washington, D.C., and was a graduate of La Salle University. He began his professional career in the American Basketball Association (ABA) in 1969. After spending his rookie season with the Washington Capitals, he joined the Virginia Squires for five seasons, during which he accumulated 3,495 points, 1,737 assists, and 1,715 rebounds. Renowned for his defensive prowess in a league characterized by its fast-paced "run-and-gun" offense, Taylor shared the court with prominent figures such as Adrian Smith, "Jumbo" Jim Eakins, and Julius "Doctor J" Erving. Additionally, he played alongside George Gervin for one and a half seasons and is credited with creating Gervin's famous moniker, "The Iceman." Taylor wrapped up his professional tenure during the 1976–77 season in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets. His combined ABA and NBA career statistics include 5,098 points, 2,563 assists, and 2,524 rebounds.
Cancer and death
In 2000, Taylor received a diagnosis of male breast cancer after a substitute physician detected an inverted nipple. He underwent a mastectomy immediately following the diagnosis. The cancer returned in 2011, metastasizing to his lungs and bones, which necessitated treatment for blood clots located in his chest. By July 2015, the disease had progressed into his pelvic region, resulting in additional health challenges.
Taylor passed away due to complications from cancer on December 7, 2017, at the age of 71.