Former Cleveland Cavaliers standout John "Hot Rod" Williams has died aged 53 following a battle with cancer, his agent Mark Bartelstein confirmed.

Williams was diagnosed with prostate cancer earlier this year and his condition worsened in recent weeks.

During the mid 1980s and 1990s Williams became one of the best sixth men in the NBA and helped impose the Cavaliers as a dominant team.

He was a part of three teams that won 50-plus matches, but on each occasion they failed to beat a Michael Jordan inspired Chicago Bulls in the play-offs. 

"This is Hard To Type!! GOD Bless John "Hot Rod"Williams & His Family !! Passes at age 53! Thanks For the Fun U Brought for Me & my Family!," Bartelstein posted on Twitter.

Former Bulls star Scottie Pippen paid tribute, writing on Twitter: "So hard to hear John "Hot Rod" Williams is no longer with us. Big man played with a lot of heart and I know his teammates loved him. RIP."

As well as his stint with the Cavs, Williams played three season with the Phoenix Suns and one with the Dallas Mavericks before retiring at the end of the 1998-99 season.

Williams averaged 11 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.6 blocks during his 13-year career. He's currently second in Cavs franchise history for blocks with 1,200.