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15. Maurice Lucas

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15. Maurice Lucas
Maurice Lucas played college basketball for Al McGuire at the University of Marquette leading the team to the finals of the 1974 NCAA tournament.  Lucas led the Warriors with 21 points and 13 boards in a loss to North Carolina State and future ABA-NBA superstar David Thompson.  Chosen high by both the NBA and ABA in their drafts, Lucas decided to go play in the newer ABA.  He had two solid years in the ABA and when the league merged with the NBA he was selected number two in the dispersal draft of players by the Portland Trail Blazers.  Portland had traded two solid veterans for a chance to get Lucas and Coach Jack Ramsey quickly made him their power forward playing next to their franchise player Bill Walton.  The Blazers gelled quickly and made an improbable run through the playoffs in their first season after the merger. 

After sweeping the Lakers in the conference finals they faced heavy favorites the Philadelphia 76ers. With the 76ers up one game to none and leading comfortably in the second game in Philly, Lucas asserted his 'enforcer' role which he would become known for throughout his career.  When Darryl Dawkins took a swing at Lucas's teammate Lionel Hollins during a scramble for the ball Lucas stepped in with an elbow to Dawkins head.  Dawkins was a monster of a man and the two squared off at half court in one of the most memorable showdowns in league history.  Both stars were ejected but this inspired the Blazers who took the last four games of the series en route to their first and only NBA Title.  The next year the Blazers behind Lucas and Walton had the best record in the league and were on their way to becoming a dynasty until Walton became injured, and Portland was never same again.  Lucas stayed in the Pacific Northwest until 1980 and then bounced around the league with mixed success until 1988.  Lucas retired with 14,857 points and 9306 rebounds which places him in the top 50 rebounders of all time.  He also made 5 All-Star game appearances.  His legacy will be that of one of the great enforcers in league history but he was also a great scorer who led the Blazers in scoring throughout their heyday and most importantly was a winner.

Should Maurice Lucas be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 81.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.1%

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Sunday, 01 January 1995
  • Position: Power Forward
  • Played For: Kentucky Colonels (ABA), Los Angeles Lakers, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trail Blazers, Seattle Super Sonics, Spirits of St. Louis (ABA)
  • College: Marquette
  • Drafted: 1st Round, 14th Overall in 1974
  • Major Accolades and Awards: All-ABA Team
    All-NBA Second Team (1) (1977-78)
    NBA All-Star (4) (1977, 1978, 1979 & 1983)
    ABA All-Star (1) (1976)
    NBA All-Defensive First Team (1) (1977-78)
    NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1) (1978-79)
    NBA Championship Rings: (1) (Portland Trail Blazers, 1977)
  • Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Rebounds (3) (ABA) (1975-76) (NBA) (1976-77 & 1981-82)
    Top Ten Finishes: Rebounds per Game (3) (ABA) (1975-76) (NBA) (1976-77 & 1981-82)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rebounds (3) (ABA) (1975-76) (NBA) (1976-77 & 1981-82)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rebounds (4) (ABA) (1975-76) (NBA) (1976-77, 1981-82 & 1982-83)
    Top Ten Finishes: Field Goal Attempts (1) (ABA) (1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Minutes Played (1) (ABA) (1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Win Shares (2) (ABA) (1975-76) (NBA) (1982-83)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rating (1) (ABA) (1975-76)
    Top Ten Finishes: Total Rebound Percentage (7) (ABA) (1974-75 & 1975-76) (NBA) (1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85 & 1985-86)
    Top Ten Finishes: Offensive Rebound Percentage (3) (ABA) (1974-75 & 1975-76) (NBA) (1981-82)
    Top Ten Finishes: Defensive Rebound Percentage (7) (ABA) (1974-75 & 1975-76) (NBA) (1981-82, 1982-83, 1983-84, 1984-85 & 1985-86)
  • Notable All-time Rankings: 39. Defensive Rebounds: 6,608
    48. Defensive Rebound Percentage: 23.6
    49. Offensive Rebounds: 2,698
    58. Rebounds: 9,306
    68. Total Rebound Percentage: 16.7

Should Maurice Lucas be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 81.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 12.4%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 4.1%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 2.1%

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