Enes Kanter wins Maurice Lucas Award with Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers center Enes Kanter has won the team’s Maurice Lucas Award for 2020-21. Inaugurated in 2010-11, the award honors “the Trail Blazers player who best represents the indomitable spirit of Maurice Lucas through his contributions on the court and in the community, as well as in support of his teammates and the organization.” Past recipients include Lamarcus Aldridge, Damian Lillard, Robin Lopez, Al-Farouq Aminu, Evan Turner, Ed Davis, Wesley Matthews, Jusuf Nurkic, and Carmelo Anthony.

Kanter was presented with the award prior to Game 3 of the Blazers’ playoffs series with the Denver Nuggets. The Blazers will make a $5,000 donation to the Turkish Cultural Center on behalf of Kanter.

An nba.com article quotes team executives describing Kanter’s contributions and personality.

“Enes is the consummate teammate,” said Neil Olshey, Trail Blazers President of Basketball Operations. “The energy, toughness and selflessness with which he approaches the game make him an ideal recipient of the Maurice Lucas award.”

“This award is extremely special to our team and organization, and Enes embodies its meaning perfectly,” said Chris McGowan, President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. “Enes contributes positively both on and off the court, adding to the well-established team culture that we strive for, just as Maurice Lucas did as a Trail Blazer.”

You can read more about the Turkish Cultural Center here.