Clippers broadcasters mock current playing ability of Robert Traylor, who died in 2011 (video)

In the 1998 draft, the Bucks infamously traded up, dealing No. 9 pick Dirk Nowitzki and No. 19 pick Pat Garrity to the Bucks for No. 6 pick Robert Traylor.

Nowitzki became a Hall of Famer. Traylor fell out of the NBA after just seven seasons.

With the Mavericks in L.A. on Monday, the Clippers’ telecast addressed Nowitzki and that draft-night trade.

Ralph Lawler:

I guess Milwaukee didn’t see it either. They drafted him and then traded him to Dallas draft day for Robert “Tractor” Traylor. Who’s he playing for now?

Don MacLean:

The Detroit YMCA over-40 league.

One problem: Traylor died in 2011.

I’m not one who believes we must speak only positively of people who died. I also don’t believe MacLean and Lawler had any ill-intent.

This was just unfortunate.

Lawler and MacLean apologized later in the broadcast. This should all go away shortly.

But as long as we’re here, it’s worth pointing out: As limited as his contributions were, Traylor still had a better NBA career than MacLean, who was also a first-round pick.