a tribute to mr. lucas

i worked at the nba retired players association for almost 3 years.  it was my first job after college and my first one here in new york.  in so many ways it was a dream come true because i love sports and was surrounded by amazing men who played a sport they loved.

one of my main roles at the retired players was to work directly with the board of directors which was comprised of former great players.  one of those players was Maurice Lucas.  i never witnessed him play his role as "the enforcer" on the portland trail-blazers.  i simply knew him as Mr. Lucas, husband of Pam and father of three who lived in the Northwest. 

at one of the conferences we attended in jamaica, i ended up sitting with maurice for lunch.  we had a very long conversation just the two of us about almost everything besides basketball.  he was always kind, engaging, intelligent and supportive of me and my job. 

i learned at later date that my aunt had a crush on him when she was growing up in the 70s in Portland.  maurice was kind enough to send her an autograph picture when i asked.  that was the person he was.  i deeply appreciated his friendship.  he was one of the board members that it was the hardest to say farewell to when i left. 

maurice lost his battle with cancer on halloween this year.  he was a young age of 58.  i'm thankful for the time that i was able to be his friend.  he will be dearly missed.