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.” More >

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