gpikeThe "Enforcer" Rides off into the Sunset
November 2nd 2010 23:15
Sunday after battling bladder cancer for two years, Maurice Lucas succumbed to defeat. He was only 58-years old.
Lucas played in the NBA for twelve seasons from 1976 to 1988. I never had the luxury of seeing him play but after watching highlights of his and reading numerous articles, I can see going down to defeat was not something which came easily.
Maurice teamed with Bill Walton and company to bring Portland its only title in any major sport in 1977. Lucas was traded to New Jersey Nets in 1980 and bounced around five teams before coming back to Portland in 1988 where he retired. Along the way, Lucas was tagged with the nickname of the "Enforcer" which typified his never back down approach to the game. Lucas was a five time all star during his career. His jersey was retired by the Blazers in 1988.
On Sunday, Lucas hung on long enough for his son Maurice Jr. to arrive from Japan where he is stationed with the Air Force. Maurice's family were present to see him pass on, including his other son David who starred at Oregon State in basketball. The Blazers are honoring Maurice Thursday night in their game with the Oklahoma City Thunder by wearing a patch which will be made available to the public as part of the new Maurice Lucas Foundation. The whole Lucas family are expected to be there.
Lucas played in the NBA for twelve seasons from 1976 to 1988. I never had the luxury of seeing him play but after watching highlights of his and reading numerous articles, I can see going down to defeat was not something which came easily.
Maurice teamed with Bill Walton and company to bring Portland its only title in any major sport in 1977. Lucas was traded to New Jersey Nets in 1980 and bounced around five teams before coming back to Portland in 1988 where he retired. Along the way, Lucas was tagged with the nickname of the "Enforcer" which typified his never back down approach to the game. Lucas was a five time all star during his career. His jersey was retired by the Blazers in 1988.
On Sunday, Lucas hung on long enough for his son Maurice Jr. to arrive from Japan where he is stationed with the Air Force. Maurice's family were present to see him pass on, including his other son David who starred at Oregon State in basketball. The Blazers are honoring Maurice Thursday night in their game with the Oklahoma City Thunder by wearing a patch which will be made available to the public as part of the new Maurice Lucas Foundation. The whole Lucas family are expected to be there.
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