Another Maurice Lucas update

Let me start off by saying I’m astounded that I seem to be the only one with a keyboard paying much attention to this story. Maurice Lucas, not only the Trail Blazer assistant coach charged with developing the big players but a beloved former Blazer player who was the starting power forward on the 1977 championship team and one of the most feared enforcers in NBA history, has been sick.

Sick enough that he’s been away from the team for more than a month now. And it seems nobody is talking much about it. Lucas deserves better than that. You could make a case that he’s one of the most popular players in the franchise’s history. And you probably could also make a case that the Blazers — noticeably soft in the early season — could be that way because of Luke’s absence.

“We’ve missed him,” said Blazer coach Nate McMillan after practice Tuesday. “But I talked to him on the phone this morning and he sounds much better. In fact, he was talking about things he wants to do with the bigs when he gets back.”

Lucas’ return is not imminent, however. He was struck down by what was thought to be a mysterious virus early in training camp and was hospitalized for several days. It’s now, according to McMillan, been determined that Lucas had pneumonia. He’s slowly recovering, more so says one of his relatives, since he got out of the hospital and returned home.

“Our players have been texting him,” McMillan said. “He’s notorious for not answering his phone so you have to text him. We really miss him. All the guys miss him.”

It’s hard to imagine that big guy in anything close to a weakened state. Even on the bench in a suit, he’s always looked the part of one tough dude. And through this battle, I’m sure he has been. Get on back here, Luke. It’s not the same without you.

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categories NBA, Trail Blazers | Dwight Jaynes | November 4, 2008

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5 Responses to “Another Maurice Lucas update”

  1. Ben says:
    November 4, 2008 at 5:29 pm

    Thanks for the update and thank god for bloggers.

  2. twggyy says:
    November 4, 2008 at 5:45 pm

    Thank you for writing this, I too have been wondering what’s going on with him. As you say, this is likely a time that Oden in particular could really use his experience and knowledge. Let’s wish him a speedy recovery.

  3. Rick G. says:
    November 4, 2008 at 8:27 pm

    Thanks for the update,I to was wondering what was going on.I never heard a thing about what was wrong are if he was ok.It would be nice to get a email address for Luke so all of the fans can wish him well. Take care : }

  4. Rick_Dawg says:
    November 4, 2008 at 10:49 pm

    Get well soon Luke. Thanks for the update DJ

  5. Joe says:
    November 5, 2008 at 11:04 am

    I’m happy to hear coach Lucas is feeling better, but I think the reason nobody was writing about his absence was because Lucas didn’t want this info out yet. I’m sure he would talk about it once he got back, but he seems like a pretty private guy. Of course we all know he’s been gone and we all wish him well in his recovery

Dansette