Maurice Lucas to Miss Remainder of Season

by Ben Golliver on Apr 2, 2009 12:44 PM PDT

From the team. I know many of you have asked about this ....

Portland - Portland Trail Blazers assistant coach Maurice Lucas underwent successful bladder cancer surgery on Tuesday, the Trail Blazers announced today. Doctors anticipate a recovery period of 6-to-8 weeks. Lucas will not return to the bench for the remainder of the 2008-09 season.

"I'm disappointed that I will be missing this stretch run," Lucas said. "I am so proud of how our guys have played and I'm confident that I will spend a good deal of my recovery time watching us win games."

A 14-year NBA/ABA veteran and four-time All-Star, Lucas was a starting forward on the Trail Blazers 1977 NBA Championship team.

"Luke was in great spirits when I visited him yesterday," Trail Blazers President Larry Miller said. "His biggest complaint was that I didn't bring a DVD so he could see Tuesday's win."

Lucas, 57, joined Head Coach Nate McMillan's staff in 2005.

"We are going to miss Luke, and will all be praying for his quick recovery," Head Coach Nate McMillan said. "Anybody who knows Maurice knows there isn't a tougher guy out there. We look forward to his return as soon as he is ready."

Trail Blazers fans who wish to send cards or letters to Coach Lucas, can do so care of the Portland Trail Blazers, One Center Court, Suite 200, Portland, OR 97227.

-- Ben (benjamin.golliver@gmail.com)

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Hey Mo, if you read this site in the hospital...

Get well soon, big guy.

by Timmay! on Apr 2, 2009 12:46 PM PDT reply actions

get well soon Coach Luke

by jksnake99 on Apr 2, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions

Get well soon big fella

We already miss you

"You're welcome friend
I love you."
- Tom "Dragline" inHawaii

by 92wastheyear on Apr 2, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions

Get well soon Big Fella

You’re an integral part of this team’s past and future.

Witty Unpredictable Talent and Natural Game

by iDea on Apr 2, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions

Get well soon

by tominhawaii on Apr 2, 2009 12:55 PM PDT reply actions

Get Well Soon

"The idea is not to block every shot. The idea is to make your opponent believe that you might block every shot." - Bill Russell

by NOWINE on Apr 2, 2009 1:06 PM PDT reply actions

get well soon

by two buck chuck on Apr 2, 2009 1:10 PM PDT reply actions

Is there an echo in here?

by MiledAnimal on Apr 2, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions

echo in here?

Blazers win BDL 2 on 2 tournament!
Skeets: i’ll close it down now … congrats. you bastards

by 22baylor on Apr 3, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Get well

And have a speedy recovery.

"I saw him in the face" Sergio's quote on the latest alley-oop to Rudy.

by blazermaniac32 on Apr 2, 2009 1:14 PM PDT reply actions

Damn

Karma

by Sabonis4Ever on Apr 2, 2009 1:57 PM PDT reply actions

I think now is time for the Blazers to hire a big man coach.

by vt087 on Apr 2, 2009 2:13 PM PDT reply actions

@#$^*^@#$!

man, that bites. I wanted him with us on our surprise championship run. although, he could be back by then…

The goal is not to be better, the goal is to be the best.

by ratbastird on Apr 2, 2009 2:16 PM PDT reply actions

Get well soon Luke.

by vt087 on Apr 2, 2009 2:17 PM PDT reply actions

Get Well Soon Coach Luke!!!!! Go Blazers!

by Luanne on Apr 2, 2009 2:24 PM PDT reply actions

No worries Coach, see you'll be back by the WCFs!!!

I want the Blazers to win a title...and help the children

by broyposse on Apr 2, 2009 2:27 PM PDT reply actions

ugh

~~see~~

I want the Blazers to win a title...and help the children

by broyposse on Apr 2, 2009 2:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Having met Luke, I know he's as nice off the court as he was tough on it

In case he should read this thread: get well soon, Luke. For many of us, you’re our all-time favorite Blazer. And we know you’re contributing a lot to the current team’s rapid growth. GO, Przy, and LMA couldn’t have a better teacher and mentor.

"We don't back down to nobody." --Joel Przybilla

by hurryup09 on Apr 2, 2009 2:31 PM PDT reply actions

Get well Mo

We rely on you to keep Walton in line.

Please get well soon – Elgin

Blazers win BDL 2 on 2 tournament!
Skeets: i’ll close it down now … congrats. you bastards

by 22baylor on Apr 2, 2009 2:43 PM PDT reply actions

Get well soon Maurice.

My brother had bladder cancer and has recovered and is doing very well. I’ll bet you’ll be on the bench in a few weeks when the boys take on the Lackers for the WCF’s.

"Aneurysm".

When Outlaw wins a game on a last-second shot, it’s called an "annthefaneurysm". QualityPie

by annthefan on Apr 2, 2009 2:49 PM PDT reply actions