Maurice Lucas, the former NBA star died!

Maurice Lucas, the former Portland Trail Blazers power forward and assistant coach has passed away at 58 years of age reports Jason Quick on Twitter.

Lucas has been suffering from bladder cancer for the last few years, beating the disease on multiple occasions. During the 2008-2009 season, Lucas underwent bladder cancer surgery, which forced him off the bench for the team’s playoff run. He returned healthy last fall but missed again in the spring.

Lucas played professionally for 14 years, first in the ABA and then in the NBA. Lucas was a member of the 1977 NBA Champion Portland Trail Blazers and a four-time NBA all star.

“We have lost a champion of a man,” Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan said in a statement. “Maurice was a great man and a great friend. He battled his illness like the warrior he was on the basketball court.”

Lucas served as an assistant coach with the Blazers for six seasons, but last year he left the team to undergo surgery before suffering a setback last November. He did not return to coaching this season.

Trail Blazers owner Paul Allen also praised Lucas “He was one of the greatest Blazers ever.”

Lucas is survived by wife Pamela, sons David and Maurice II and daughter Kristin. Funeral arrangements were yet to be determined.

Condolences to the Lucas family and the Portland Trail Blazers organization.

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