Thaindian News

By Madhuri Dey
Nov 2, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Former Portland Trail Blazers All-Star power forward Maurice Lucas passed away on Sunday at his home in Portland, the Portland Trail Blazers team announced the news to the media. The former basketball player lost his battle with bladder cancer and breathed his last at the age of 58. He was known as “The Enforcer” for his competitive nature on the court. Maurice Lucas is survived by his wife Pamela, his sons David and Maurice II and daughter Kristin. His family has not yet announced anything about the funeral arrangements.

Nate McMillan, Portland Trail Blazers coach has expressed his condolence at the unfortunate demise of the basketball veteran and said that Maurice Lucas was a great man and a “great friend”. He also said that the former basketball player was a “champion” of a man as he battled his bladder cancer like a warrior just like he did in the games. Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen also remembered Maurice Lucas by saying that the former NBA player was an “amazing” man and Paul Allen counts himself lucky to have known him. He added that the coaches, players, fans and the owners were “made better” by having him in the team. Paul Allen called the late assistant coach of the team as one of the “greatest Blazers” ever.

Nate McMillan said that Maurice Lucas was his big brother, his mentor and he always knew that the would always have the basketball star by his side. He also commented that Maurice Lucas left everyone “too soon”. Larry Miller, Portland Trail Blazers president said that no words would define the “magnitude of loss” the team feels with the passing away of Maurice Lucas as it has lost its “Enforcer”.