Maurice “The Enforcer” Lucas, formerly of the Portland Trail Blazers died this week, he was 58 years old.
The former NBA star who helped lead his team to the 1977 NBA title had been suffering from a long battle with bladder cancer.
After his playing days ended Maurice went on to be the assistant coach of the Blazers
Lucas was drafted during the 1976 ABA dispersal draft and during his teams 1976-1977 NBA title run he averaged an impressive 20.2 points and 11.2 rebounds per game.
By the end of his career Lucas was a five-time All-Star and in 1988 the Trail Blazers retired Lucas’ No. 20 jersey.
During a public statement on Sunday night Paul Allen said of Lucas:
“Maurice Lucas was an amazing man and I count myself lucky to have known him. We all — players, coaches, the owner and the fans — were made better by having Maurice a part of our team, whether playing on the championship team or, most recently as an assistant coach.” adding “He was one of the greatest Blazers ever.”
Our condolences go out to his family and friends.
