No. 8 – Maurice Lucas
“The Enforcer” Maurice Lucas played a pivotal role in the Blazers’ 1976-77 championship run. He was infamously ejected in Game 2 of the Finals for hitting 76ers’ forward Darryl Dawkins from behind during a scuffle.
The No. 2 pick in the ABA Dispersal Draft that season, Lucas immediately contributed coming into the NBA.
Due to trading their first-ever pick and star player George Petrie, along with Steve Hawes, to the Hawks, the Blazers acquired the opportunity to select Lucas second overall. That was one of the best seasons of his career as he averaged 20 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal.
To put it in perspective, Lucas averaged around 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 2.5 assists for his career.
One main reason Lucas’ skillset was so polished already going into the league was his two years in the American Basketball Association (ABA) with the Spirits of St. Louis and Kentucky Colonels. Lucas was named to the ABA All-Time Team for those two productive seasons.
After that, Lucas jumped around the NBA a bit, playing 12 seasons for six teams, including the Nets, Knicks, Suns, Lakers, and Sonics.
However, he’ll always be remembered as a Blazer. Lucas played five seasons with the Blazers and was a crucial factor in helping win their only NBA Championship.
Lucas has his number 20 jersey retired in Portland, and deservedly so.