John Lucas II: Difference between revisions

John Lucas II
	Lucas with the Maryland Terrapins, c. 1974
Personal information
Born	October 31, 1953 (age 71); Durham, North Carolina, U.S.
Listed height	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Listed weight	175 lb (79 kg)
Career information
High school	Hillside (Durham, North Carolina)
College	Maryland (1972–1976)
NBA draft	1976: 1st round, 1st overall pick
	Selected by the Houston Rockets
Playing career	1976–1992
Position	Point guard
Number	15, 4, 5, 10, 20
Coaching career	1991–present
Career history
As player:
1976–1978	Houston Rockets
1978–1981	Golden State Warriors
1981–1983	Washington Bullets
1983	Lancaster Lightning
1983–1984	San Antonio Spurs
1984–1986	Houston Rockets
1986–1988	Milwaukee Bucks
1988–1989	Seattle SuperSonics
1989–1990	Houston Rockets
1991–1992	Wichita Falls Texans
As coach:
1991–1993	Miami Tropics
1992–1994	San Antonio Spurs
1994–1996	Philadelphia 76ers
1998–2001	Denver Nuggets (assistant)
2001–2003	Cleveland Cavaliers
2009–2010	Los Angeles Clippers (assistant)
2020–2023	Houston Rockets (assistant)
Career highlights and awards
	As player: NBA All-Rookie First Team (1977); 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1975, 1976); Second-team All-American – AP (1974); Third-team All-American – NABC (1974); ACC Athlete of the Year (1976); 3× First-team All-ACC (1974–1976); Third-team Parade All-American (1972); As coach: 2× USBL champion (1992, 1993); USBL Coach of the Year (1993);
Career NBA statistics
Points	9,951 (10.7 ppg)
Assists	6,454 (7.0 apg)
Steals	1,273 (1.4 spg)
	Stats at NBA.com
	Stats at Basketball Reference
Representing United States
Men's basketball
FIBA World Championship

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John Harding Lucas II (born October 31, 1953) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who most recently served as an assistant coach for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played basketball and tennis at the University of Maryland, College Park and was an All-American in both.

Collegiate career

Lucas attended the University of Maryland where he was an All-American in basketball. Lucas was a Second-team All-American for the Terrapins team in 1973–74, along with his teammates Len Elmore and Tom McMillen. The Terrapins had a record of 23–5 in the regular season, and 9–3 in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). However, they lost during the ACC Tournament, and they could not go to the NCAA Tournament. Elmore and McMillan graduated in 1974, but in the following 1974–75 season, Lucas was a First-team All-American. The Terrapins recorded a 24–5 regular season record, 10–2 in the ACC, and they won the ACC regular season crown. However, they lost to NC State in the semifinals of the ACC tournament. The NCAA tournament, however, had been expanded to include 32 teams. Also, for the first time, more than one team per conference was allowed into the tournament. Maryland gained entry and advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to Louisville.

Lucas played for the US national team in the 1974 FIBA World Championship, winning the bronze medal.^[1]

In the 1975–76 season, Lucas was a First-team All-American once again. The Terrapins recorded a 22–6 regular season record, 7–5 in the ACC, but they lost out in the ACC Tournament and did not make the NCAA Tournament.

Professional career

Lucas was the first overall pick of the 1976 NBA draft, selected by the Houston Rockets. He was also drafted by the New York Nets of the American Basketball Association.^[2]

Lucas played in the NBA for fourteen years. Lucas initially played for the Rockets for two years before NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien awarded him to the Golden State Warriors as compensation for the Rockets signing Rick Barry as a free agent.^[3] While a member of the Golden State Warriors, on October 20, 1978, Lucas scored a career best 35 points during a 111–108 win over the Trail Blazers.^[4] In his last season with the Warriors, Lucas's problems began where he missed a series of practice sessions, plane trips and games.^[5]^[6] The Warriors suspended Lucas and chose not to pick up his contract option.^[6]

After signing with the Washington Bullets as a free agent, Lucas continued to miss practices with the Bullets. He admitted that he was addicted to cocaine at the beginning of the 1982–1983 season and entered a rehabilitation program.^[5] The Bullets waived him in 1983.^[7]

Lucas played professional tennis and minor league basketball before returning to the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs and then moving on to Houston.^[8] Lucas's drug problems continued to plague him, and the Rockets waived him in 1984 and reinstated him the next season after he underwent rehabilitation.^[8]^[9] Lucas became a regular season starter for the 1986 Houston Rockets. However, after failing two drug tests, the Rockets waived Lucas in March before they embarked on a playoff run to the 1986 NBA Finals.^[9]

Lucas was given another chance in January 1987 when he was signed to a ten-day contract by the Milwaukee Bucks that led to a full contract for the rest of the season.^[10] Lucas played four more years in the NBA, averaging at age 33 a career-high 17.5 points for Milwaukee in 1986–87, after which, on May 8, 1987, he scored a team high 30 points to lead the Bucks to an Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3 win over the Boston Celtics.^[11] The Bucks would go on to lose the series in seven games. Lucas played more of a reserve role for the next three years.

Lucas played three games with the Wichita Falls Texans in the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) during the 1991–92 season.^[12] He was serving as head coach of the Miami Tropics in the United States Basketball League (USBL) at the time and appeared to help his player, Roy Tarpley, who was scared about making his debut after leaving a drug treatment facility.^[13]

After successfully undergoing drug rehabilitation and starting programs of his own to help other athletes rehabilitate, Lucas returned to the NBA as a coach, eventually becoming a head coach.

Lucas runs a wellness and aftercare substance-abuse recovery program for athletes.^[14] Lucas has helped multiple professional athletes with substance abuse, including Freeman Williams, with whom he became close friends.^[15]

Career statistics

Legend
GP	Games played	GS	Games started	MPG	Minutes per game
FG%	Field goal percentage	3P%	3-point field goal percentage	FT%	Free throw percentage
RPG	Rebounds per game	APG	Assists per game	SPG	Steals per game
BPG	Blocks per game	PPG	Points per game	Bold	Career high
*	Led the league

NBA

Regular season


Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1976–77	Houston	82	-	30.9	.477	-	.789	2.7	5.6	1.5	0.2	11.1
1977–78	Houston	82	-	35.8	.435	-	.772	3.1	9.4	2.0	0.1	12.4
1978–79	Golden State	82*	-	37.7	.462	-	.822	3.0	9.3	1.9	0.1	16.1
1979–80	Golden State	80	-	34.5	.467	.286	.768	2.8	7.5	1.7	0.0	12.6
1980–81	Golden State	66	-	29.1	.439	.167	.738	2.3	7.0	1.3	0.0	8.4
1981–82	Washington	79	53	24.6	.426	.091	.784	2.1	7.0	1.2	0.1	8.4
1982–83	Washington	35	0	11.0	.473	.000	.500	0.8	2.9	0.7	0.0	4.1
1983–84	San Antonio	63	39	28.7	.462	.275	.764	2.9	10.7	1.5	0.1	10.9
1984–85	Houston	47	21	24.6	.462	.318	.798	1.8	6.8	1.3	0.0	11.4
1985–86	Houston	65	65	32.6	.446	.308	.775	2.2	8.8	1.2	0.1	15.5
1986–87	Milwaukee	43	40	31.6	.457	.365	.787	2.9	6.7	1.7	0.1	17.5
1987–88	Milwaukee	81	22	21.8	.445	.338	.802	2.0	4.8	1.1	0.0	9.2
1988–89	Seattle	74	8	11.4	.398	.265	.701	1.1	3.5	0.8	0.0	4.2
1989–90	Houston	49	18	19.1	.375	.299	.764	1.8	4.9	0.9	0.0	5.8
Career		928	266	27.5	.449	.303	.776	2.3	7.0	1.4	0.1	10.7

Playoffs


Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1976–77	Houston	12	-	35.8	.540	-	.765	2.8	6.9	2.0	0.3	14.7
1981–82	Washington	7	-	10.6	.538	.333	.667	1.1	2.9	0.4	0.1	4.4
1984–85	Houston	5	4	30.4	.325	.143	.636	4.2	5.4	1.2	0.0	13.6
1986–87	Milwaukee	12	12	30.2	.453	.333	.813	2.1	5.2	1.2	0.1	15.6
1987–88	Milwaukee	5	0	16.0	.370	.231	.667	1.6	3.8	1.0	0.0	5.8
1988–89	Seattle	4	0	9.3	.294	.000	.500	0.3	2.0	0.0	0.0	2.8
Career		45	16	25.2	.451	.261	.746	2.1	4.9	1.2	0.1	11.2

College


Year	Team	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
1972–73	Maryland	30	-	-	.538	-	.703	2.8	-	-	-	14.2
1973–74	Maryland	28	-	-	.511	-	.753	2.8	-	-	-	20.1
1974–75	Maryland	24	-	-	.549	-	.836	4.2	-	-	-	19.5
1975–76	Maryland	28	-	-	.511	-	.778	3.9	-	-	-	19.9
Career		110	-	-	.525	-	.778	3.4	-	-	-	18.3

Coaching career

On August 8, 1991, Lucas bought the Miami Tropics franchise of the United States Basketball League to use the team as a tool in helping players overcome drug problems.^[16] He only intended to serve as team owner but realised he would be best suited as head coach to help with counselling players.^[13] Lucas won two championships in 1992 and 1993 before he decided to step aside.^[17]

He has coached the San Antonio Spurs, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers, each for less than two seasons, compiling a 174–258 overall coaching record. His most successful stint was with the Spurs. In 1992–93, he took over from Jerry Tarkanian (9–11) and went 39–22 the rest of the season, and reached the Western Conference semi-finals. The next year the Spurs finished 55–27 but lost in the first round of playoffs.

Prior to accepting the head coaching position for the Cavs, he was assistant coach for the Denver Nuggets for three seasons.

Lucas worked with Indiana Pacers guard T. J. Ford in Houston after the guard sustained a neck injury from a hard foul from Atlanta's Al Horford.^[18]

Lucas was hired for the 2009–10 NBA season as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under head coach Mike Dunleavy.

Lucas began working with former NFL first round pick JaMarcus Russell in 2010 as a life coach, but ceased this role in April 2011.^[19]

In July 2016, Lucas joined the Houston Rockets as a player development coach.^[20] On November 6, 2020, Lucas was announced as an assistant in the staff of new Rockets head coach Stephen Silas.^[21]

Head coaching record

Legend
Regular season	G	Games coached	W	Games won	L	Games lost	W–L %	Win–loss %
Playoffs	PG	Playoff games	PW	Playoff wins	PL	Playoff losses	PW–L %	Playoff win–loss %


Team	Year	G	W	L	W–L%	Finish	PG	PW	PL	PW–L%	Result
San Antonio	1992–93	61	39	22	.639	2nd in Midwest	10	5	5	.500	Lost in Conf. Semifinals
San Antonio	1993–94	82	55	27	.671	2nd in Midwest	4	1	3	.250	Lost in First Round
Philadelphia	1994–95	82	24	58	.293	6th in Atlantic	—	—	—	—	Missed playoffs
Philadelphia	1995–96	82	18	64	.220	7th in Atlantic	—	—	—	—	Missed playoffs
Cleveland	2001–02	82	29	53	.354	7th in Central	—	—	—	—	Missed playoffs
Cleveland	2002–03	42	8	34	.190	(fired)	—	—	—	—	—
Career		431	173	258	.401		14	6	8	.429

Tennis career

Lucas was not only a standout basketball player, but also a standout tennis player. An All-American in the sport while at Maryland, he won ACC number one singles championship twice in 1974 and 1976, before being named the McKelvin Award winner as the conference's top all-around athlete. Lucas competed in two Grand Prix tennis tournaments in 1973, another in 1979, and a challenger event in 1979. His best result was reaching the semi-finals of the challenger in Raleigh, North Carolina, partnering Fred McNair. He won one other tour match, by default in doubles in 1973 in Merion, Pennsylvania while partnering Vic Seixas. He lost all four of the singles first round matches which he contested, and in straight sets.^[22] His best singles result was a 4–6, 4–6 loss to John Austin. Lucas's career high ranking was 579th, in singles in December 1979.^[23] (Doubles computer rankings were not officially kept until the early 1980s.)

Lucas also played World Team Tennis with the San Francisco Golden Gaters in 1976, and the New Orleans Sun Belt Nets in 1978. He and Renée Richards had success teaming up as the Nets' regular mixed-doubles team in 1978. The 6'1" Richards was delighted to have a male partner who was taller than she was.^[24]

In 2005, Lucas was the head coach of the Houston Wranglers, which featured Steffi Graf and Mardy Fish.

Personal life

Lucas's elder son John Lucas III played college basketball at Oklahoma State and has been a member of several NBA teams. His younger son, Jai, is currently an assistant coach at Duke University and also played college basketball at the University of Texas.

References

^ SEVENTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP -- 1974 Archived January 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
^ 1975 New York Nets draft page at DatabaseBasketball.com Archived May 20, 2011, at the Wayback Machine
^ Blinebury, Fran (November 1, 2016). "'This city saved my life' -- John Lucas on his return to Houston, NBA". www.nba.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^ "John Lucas II Career High 35 Points". Statmuse.
^ ^a ^b Johnson, Roy S. (May 5, 1982). "JOHN LUCAS TRIES TO RECAST HIS IMAGE". The New York Times. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^ ^a ^b McCallum, Jack. "JOHN LUCAS: PICKING UP THE PIECES". Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^ "JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems". Los Angeles Times. November 23, 1986. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Feinstein, John (November 23, 1986). "JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^ ^a ^b Newman, Bruce (March 2, 1987). "THREE STRIKES AND HE'S...BACK". Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.
^ Johnson, Roy S. (January 15, 1987). "Rockets Discuss Drug Temptation". The New York Times.
^ "1987 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks". Basketball Reference.
^ "John Lucas minor league basketball statistics". Stats Crew. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
^ ^a ^b "TROPICS REDEFINE WORD 'REBOUND'". Orlando Sentinel. July 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
^ "How OCD almost ended one NBA player's career before it began". August 22, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2019.
^ Placing Portland State basketball legend Freeman Williams’ career in proper perspective: ‘He was an icon’
^ Moore, Toni (October 14, 2005). "Lucas has rehab plans for USBL Tropics". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
^ "TROPICS REPEAT; LUCAS STEPS ASIDE". South Florida Sun Sentinel. September 25, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2023.
^ Ford's biggest hurdle was all mental
^ "Sources: John Lucas advising ex-Raider Russell". September 26, 2010.
^ John Lucas to join Rockets organization
^ "John Lucas joins Stephen Silas' staff with Houston Rockets". ESPN. November 6, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2022.
^ ATP.com
^ ATP profile page
^ Richards, Renée; Ames, John (2007). No Way Renée: The Second Half of My Notorious Life. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7432-9013-5. LCCN 2006052252.

External links

[1] SEVENTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP -- 1974 Archived January 3, 2010, at the Wayback Machine

[2] 1975 New York Nets draft page at DatabaseBasketball.com Archived May 20, 2011, at the Wayback Machine

[3] Blinebury, Fran (November 1, 2016). "'This city saved my life' -- John Lucas on his return to Houston, NBA". www.nba.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

[4] "John Lucas II Career High 35 Points". Statmuse.

[johnson1-5] Johnson, Roy S. (May 5, 1982). "JOHN LUCAS TRIES TO RECAST HIS IMAGE". The New York Times. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

[mccallum-6] McCallum, Jack. "JOHN LUCAS: PICKING UP THE PIECES". Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

[7] "JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems". Los Angeles Times. November 23, 1986. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

[feinstein-8] Feinstein, John (November 23, 1986). "JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

[newman-9] Newman, Bruce (March 2, 1987). "THREE STRIKES AND HE'S...BACK". Sports Illustrated Vault | SI.com. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

[10] Johnson, Roy S. (January 15, 1987). "Rockets Discuss Drug Temptation". The New York Times.

[11] "1987 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks". Basketball Reference.

[sc-12] "John Lucas minor league basketball statistics". Stats Crew. Retrieved October 26, 2023.

[os-13] "TROPICS REDEFINE WORD 'REBOUND'". Orlando Sentinel. July 26, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2023.

[14] "How OCD almost ended one NBA player's career before it began". August 22, 2018. Retrieved June 7, 2019.

[15] Placing Portland State basketball legend Freeman Williams’ career in proper perspective: ‘He was an icon’

[16] Moore, Toni (October 14, 2005). "Lucas has rehab plans for USBL Tropics". Tampa Bay Times. Retrieved October 26, 2023.

[17] "TROPICS REPEAT; LUCAS STEPS ASIDE". South Florida Sun Sentinel. September 25, 2021. Retrieved October 26, 2023.

[18] Ford's biggest hurdle was all mental

[19] "Sources: John Lucas advising ex-Raider Russell". September 26, 2010.

[20] John Lucas to join Rockets organization

[21] "John Lucas joins Stephen Silas' staff with Houston Rockets". ESPN. November 6, 2020. Retrieved June 7, 2022.

[22] ATP.com

[23] ATP profile page

[24] Richards, Renée; Ames, John (2007). No Way Renée: The Second Half of My Notorious Life. New York: Simon & Schuster. ISBN 978-0-7432-9013-5. LCCN 2006052252.

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@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{short description|American basketball player}}
+{{Short description|American basketball player (born 1953)}}
 {{Use mdy dates|date=October 2013}}
 {{Infobox basketball biography
@@ Line 6: / Line 6: @@
 | width =
 | caption = Lucas with the [[Maryland Terrapins men's basketball|Maryland Terrapins]], {{circa}} 1974
-| team = Houston Rockets
+| team =
-| position = Assistant head coach
+| position =
 | league = [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]
 | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|10|31}}
@@ Line 21: / Line 21: @@
 | draft_team = [[Houston Rockets]]
 | career_start = 1976
-| career_end = 1990
+| career_end = 1992
 | career_position = [[Point guard]]
 | career_number = 15, 4, 5, 10, 20
-| coach_start = 1992
+| coach_start = 1991
 | coach_end =
 | years1 = {{nbay|1976|start}}–{{nbay|1977|end}}
@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 | years9 = {{nbay|1989|full=y}}
 | team9 = Houston Rockets
+| years10 = 1991–1992
-| cyears1 = [[1992 USBL season|1992]]
-| cteam1 = [[Miami Tropics]]
+| team10 = [[Wichita Falls Texans]]
+| cyears1 = 1991–1993
+| cteam1 = Miami Tropics
 | cyears2 = {{nbay|1992|start}}–{{nbay|1993|end}}
 | cteam2 = San Antonio Spurs
@@ Line 56: / Line 58: @@
 | cyears6 = {{nbay|2009|full=y}}
 | cteam6 = [[Los Angeles Clippers]] (assistant)
-| cyears7 = {{nbay|2020|start}}–present
+| cyears7 = {{nbay|2020|start}}–{{nbay|2022|end}}
 | cteam7 = [[Houston Rockets]] (assistant)
 | highlights =
@@ Line 68: / Line 70: @@
 * Third-team [[Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team|''Parade'' All-American]] (1972)
 '''As coach:'''
-* [[United States Basketball League|USBL champion]] ([[United States Basketball League#USBL Champions|1992]])
+* 2× [[United States Basketball League|USBL champion]] (1992, 1993)
+* [[USBL]] Coach of the Year (1993)
 | stats_league = NBA
 | stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
@@ Line 85: / Line 88: @@
 {{MedalBronze |[[1974 FIBA World Championship|1974 Puerto Rico]] | [[1974 FIBA World Championship|Team competition]]}}
 }}
-'''John Harding Lucas II''' (born October 31, 1953) is an American professional [[basketball]] coach and former player who is an assistant coach for the [[Houston Rockets]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). He played basketball and [[tennis]] at the [[University of Maryland, College Park]] and was an [[All-American]] in both.
+'''John Harding Lucas II''' (born October 31, 1953) is an American professional [[basketball]] coach and former player who most recently served as an assistant coach for the [[Houston Rockets]] of the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA). He played basketball and [[tennis]] at the [[University of Maryland, College Park]] and was an [[All-American]] in both.
 ==Collegiate career==
-Lucas attended the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] where he was an All-American in basketball. Lucas was a Second-team All-American for the Terrapins team in 1973–74, along with his teammates [[Len Elmore]] and [[Tom McMillen]]. The Terrapins had a record of 23–5 in the regular season, and 9–3 in the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] (ACC). However, they lost during the ACC Tournament, and they could not go to the NCAA Tournament. Elmore and McMillan graduated in 1974, but in the following 1974–75 season, Lucas was a First-team All-American. The Terrapins recorded a 24-5 regular season record, 10–2 in the ACC, and they won the ACC regular season crown. However, they lost to NC State in the semifinals of the ACC tournament. The NCAA tournament, however, had been expanded to include 32 teams. Also, for the first time, more than one team per conference was allowed into the tournament. Maryland gained entry and advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to Louisville.
+Lucas attended the [[University of Maryland, College Park|University of Maryland]] where he was an All-American in basketball. Lucas was a Second-team All-American for the Terrapins team in 1973–74, along with his teammates [[Len Elmore]] and [[Tom McMillen]]. The Terrapins had a record of 23–5 in the regular season, and 9–3 in the [[Atlantic Coast Conference]] (ACC). However, they lost during the ACC Tournament, and they could not go to the NCAA Tournament. Elmore and McMillan graduated in 1974, but in the following 1974–75 season, Lucas was a First-team All-American. The Terrapins recorded a 24–5 regular season record, 10–2 in the ACC, and they won the ACC regular season crown. However, they lost to NC State in the semifinals of the ACC tournament. The NCAA tournament, however, had been expanded to include 32 teams. Also, for the first time, more than one team per conference was allowed into the tournament. Maryland gained entry and advanced to the Elite Eight before losing to Louisville.
 Lucas played for the [[United States men's national basketball team|US national team]] in the [[1974 FIBA World Championship]], winning the bronze medal.<ref>[http://www.usabasketball.com/news.php?news_page=mwc_1974 SEVENTH WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP -- 1974] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100103175822/http://usabasketball.com/news.php?news_page=mwc_1974 |date=January 3, 2010 }}</ref>
-In the 1975–76 season, Lucas was a First-team All-American once again. The Terrapins recorded a 22-6 regular season record, 7–5 in the ACC, but they lost out in the ACC Tournament and did not make the NCAA Tournament.
+In the 1975–76 season, Lucas was a First-team All-American once again. The Terrapins recorded a 22–6 regular season record, 7–5 in the ACC, but they lost out in the ACC Tournament and did not make the NCAA Tournament.
 ==Professional career==
-Then, following this senior season, Lucas was the first overall pick of the [[1976 NBA draft]], selected by the [[Houston Rockets]].  He was also drafted by the [[New York Nets]] of the [[American Basketball Association]].<ref>[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYN&lg=A&yr=1975 1975 New York Nets draft page at DatabaseBasketball.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520174408/http://databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYN&lg=a&yr=1975 |date=May 20, 2011 }}</ref>
+Lucas was the first overall pick of the [[1976 NBA draft]], selected by the [[Houston Rockets]].  He was also drafted by the [[New York Nets]] of the [[American Basketball Association]].<ref>[http://www.databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYN&lg=A&yr=1975 1975 New York Nets draft page at DatabaseBasketball.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110520174408/http://databasebasketball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=NYN&lg=a&yr=1975 |date=May 20, 2011 }}</ref>
-Lucas played in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] for fourteen years. Lucas initially played for the Rockets for two years before NBA commissioner [[Larry O'Brien]] awarded him to the Golden State Warriors as compensation for the Rockets signing [[Rick Barry]] as a free agent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blinebury |first1=Fran |title='This city saved my life' -- John Lucas on his return to Houston, NBA |url=https://www.nba.com/news/john-lucas-houston-rockets-return-nba |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=www.nba.com |date=2016-11-01 |language=en}}</ref> While a member of the [[Golden State Warriors]], on October 20, 1978, Lucas scored a career best 35 points during a 111-108 win over the Trail Blazers.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Lucas II Career High 35 Points |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/john-lucas-ii-career-high-points-statmuse |website=Statmuse}}</ref> In his last season with the Warriors, Lucas's problems began where he missed a series of practice sessions, plane trips and games.<ref name="johnson1">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Roy S. |last2=Times |first2=Special To the New York |title=JOHN LUCAS TRIES TO RECAST HIS IMAGE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/05/sports/john-lucas-tries-to-recast-his-image.html |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=5 May 1982}}</ref><ref name="mccallum">{{cite news |last1=McCallum |first1=Jack |title=JOHN LUCAS: PICKING UP THE PIECES |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1981/06/08/john-lucas-picking-up-the-pieces-the-mysterious-behavior-of-golden-states-point-guard-last-season-raised-many-questions-after-therapy-lucas-offers-answers |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref> The Warriors suspended Lucas and chose not to pick up his contract option.<ref name="mccallum" />
+Lucas played in the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]] for fourteen years. Lucas initially played for the Rockets for two years before NBA commissioner [[Larry O'Brien]] awarded him to the Golden State Warriors as compensation for the Rockets signing [[Rick Barry]] as a free agent.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Blinebury |first1=Fran |title='This city saved my life' -- John Lucas on his return to Houston, NBA |url=https://www.nba.com/news/john-lucas-houston-rockets-return-nba |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=www.nba.com |date=2016-11-01 |language=en}}</ref> While a member of the [[Golden State Warriors]], on October 20, 1978, Lucas scored a career best 35 points during a 111–108 win over the Trail Blazers.<ref>{{cite web |title=John Lucas II Career High 35 Points |url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask/john-lucas-ii-career-high-points-statmuse |website=Statmuse}}</ref> In his last season with the Warriors, Lucas's problems began where he missed a series of practice sessions, plane trips and games.<ref name="johnson1">{{cite news |last1=Johnson |first1=Roy S. |title=JOHN LUCAS TRIES TO RECAST HIS IMAGE |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1982/05/05/sports/john-lucas-tries-to-recast-his-image.html |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=The New York Times |date=5 May 1982}}</ref><ref name="mccallum">{{cite news |last1=McCallum |first1=Jack |title=JOHN LUCAS: PICKING UP THE PIECES |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1981/06/08/john-lucas-picking-up-the-pieces-the-mysterious-behavior-of-golden-states-point-guard-last-season-raised-many-questions-after-therapy-lucas-offers-answers |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |language=en-us}}</ref> The Warriors suspended Lucas and chose not to pick up his contract option.<ref name="mccallum" />
-After signing with [[Washington Wizards|Washington Bullets]] as a free agent, Lucas continued to miss practices with the Bullets. He admitted that he was addicted to cocaine at the beginning of the 1982-1983 season and entered a rehabilitation program.<ref name="johnson1" /> The Bullets waived him in 1983.<ref>{{cite news |last1=options |first1=Show more sharing |last2=URLCopied! |first2=Copy Link |title=JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-23-sp-12376-story.html |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=23 November 1986}}</ref>
+After signing with the [[Washington Wizards|Washington Bullets]] as a free agent, Lucas continued to miss practices with the Bullets. He admitted that he was addicted to cocaine at the beginning of the 1982–1983 season and entered a rehabilitation program.<ref name="johnson1" /> The Bullets waived him in 1983.<ref>{{cite news  |title=JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-23-sp-12376-story.html |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=23 November 1986}}</ref>
-Lucas played professional tennis and minor league basketball before returning to the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs before moving on to Houston.<ref name="feinstein">{{cite news |last1=Feinstein |first1=John |title=JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-23-sp-12376-story.html |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=23 November 1986}}</ref> Lucas's drug problems continued to plague him, and the Rockets waived him in 1984 and reinstated him the next season after he underwent rehabilitation.<ref name="feinstein" /><ref name="newman">{{cite news |last1=Newman |first1=Bruce |title=THREE STRIKES AND HE'S...BACK |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1987/03/02/three-strikes-and-hesback |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |date=1987-03-02 |language=en-us}}</ref> Lucas became a regular season starter for the [[1985–86 NBA season|1986]] [[Houston Rockets]]. However, after failing two drug tests, the Rockets waived Lucas in March before they embarked on a playoff run to the [[1986 NBA Finals]].<ref name="newman" />
+Lucas played professional tennis and minor league basketball before returning to the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs and then moving on to Houston.<ref name="feinstein">{{cite news |last1=Feinstein |first1=John |title=JOHN LUCAS : This Ex-Maryland Star Survived Drug Addiction, but Not Without Problems |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1986-11-23-sp-12376-story.html |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=23 November 1986}}</ref> Lucas's drug problems continued to plague him, and the Rockets waived him in 1984 and reinstated him the next season after he underwent rehabilitation.<ref name="feinstein" /><ref name="newman">{{cite news |last1=Newman |first1=Bruce |title=THREE STRIKES AND HE'S...BACK |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1987/03/02/three-strikes-and-hesback |access-date=8 June 2022 |work=Sports Illustrated Vault {{!}} SI.com |date=1987-03-02 |language=en-us}}</ref> Lucas became a regular season starter for the [[1985–86 NBA season|1986]] [[Houston Rockets]]. However, after failing two drug tests, the Rockets waived Lucas in March before they embarked on a playoff run to the [[1986 NBA Finals]].<ref name="newman" />
 Lucas was given another chance in January 1987 when he was signed to a ten-day contract by the Milwaukee Bucks that led to a full contract for the rest of the season.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.nytimes.com/1987/01/15/sports/rockets-discuss-drug-temptation.html | title=Rockets Discuss Drug Temptation| newspaper=The New York Times| date=January 15, 1987| last1=Johnson| first1=Roy S.}}</ref> Lucas played four more years in the NBA, averaging at age 33 a career-high 17.5 points for Milwaukee in 1986–87, after which, on May 8, 1987, he scored a team high 30 points to lead the Bucks to an Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3 win over the Boston Celtics.<ref>{{cite web |title=1987 NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3: Boston Celtics at Milwaukee Bucks |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/198705080MIL.html |website=Basketball Reference}}</ref> The Bucks would go on to lose the series in seven games. Lucas played more of a reserve role for the next three years.
+Lucas played three games with the [[Wichita Falls Texans]] in the [[Continental Basketball Association]] (CBA) during the 1991–92 season.<ref name=sc>{{cite web |title=John Lucas minor league basketball statistics |url=https://www.statscrew.com/minorbasketball/stats/p-lucasjoh002 |website=Stats Crew |access-date=October 26, 2023}}</ref> He was serving as head coach of the Miami Tropics in the [[United States Basketball League]] (USBL) at the time and appeared to help his player, [[Roy Tarpley]], who was scared about making his debut after leaving a drug treatment facility.<ref name=os />
 After successfully undergoing drug rehabilitation and starting programs of his own to help other athletes rehabilitate, Lucas returned to the NBA as a coach, eventually becoming a head coach.
-Lucas runs a wellness and aftercare substance-abuse recovery program for athletes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24383926/jackie-macmullan-ocd-adhd-medication-marijuana-nba-mental-health|access-date=7 June 2019|title=How OCD almost ended one NBA player's career before it began|date=August 22, 2018}}</ref>
+Lucas runs a wellness and aftercare substance-abuse recovery program for athletes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/24383926/jackie-macmullan-ocd-adhd-medication-marijuana-nba-mental-health|access-date=7 June 2019|title=How OCD almost ended one NBA player's career before it began|date=August 22, 2018}}</ref> Lucas has helped multiple professional athletes with substance abuse, including [[Freeman Williams]], with whom he became close friends.<ref>[https://www.oregonlive.com/vikings/2022/05/former-portland-state-great-freeman-williams-was-more-than-just-a-vikings-legend-he-was-an-icon.html Placing Portland State basketball legend Freeman Williams’ career in proper perspective: ‘He was an icon’]</ref>
 ==Career statistics==
 {{NBA player statistics legend|leader=y}}
 ===NBA===
 ====Regular season====
@@ Line 175: / Line 181: @@
 | 928 || <u>266</u> || 27.5 || .449 || .303 || .776 || 2.3 || 7.0 || 1.4 || 0.1 || 10.7
 |}
 ====Playoffs====
 {{NBA player statistics start}}
@@ Line 205: / Line 212: @@
 | 45 || <u>16</u> || 25.2 || .451 || .261 || .746 || 2.1 || 4.9 || 1.2 || 0.1 || 11.2
 |}
 ===College===
 {{NBA player statistics start}}
@@ Line 229: / Line 237: @@
 ==Coaching career==
+On August 8, 1991, Lucas bought the Miami Tropics franchise of the [[United States Basketball League]] to use the team as a tool in helping players overcome drug problems.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Moore |first1=Toni |title=Lucas has rehab plans for USBL Tropics |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1991/08/09/lucas-has-rehab-plans-for-usbl-tropics/ |website=Tampa Bay Times |access-date=October 26, 2023 |date=October 14, 2005}}</ref> He only intended to serve as team owner but realised he would be best suited as head coach to help with counselling players.<ref name=os>{{cite web |title=TROPICS REDEFINE WORD ‘REBOUND’ |url=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/06/29/tropics-redefine-word-rebound/ |website=Orlando Sentinel |access-date=October 26, 2023 |date=July 26, 2021}}</ref> Lucas won two championships in 1992 and 1993 before he decided to step aside.<ref>{{cite web |title=TROPICS REPEAT; LUCAS STEPS ASIDE |url=https://www.sun-sentinel.com/1993/07/07/tropics-repeat-lucas-steps-aside/ |website=South Florida Sun Sentinel |access-date=October 26, 2023 |date=September 25, 2021}}</ref>
-He has coached the [[San Antonio Spurs]], [[Philadelphia 76ers]] and [[Cleveland Cavaliers]], each for less than two seasons, compiling a 174–258 overall coaching record. His most successful stint was with the Spurs.  In 1992–93, he took over from [[Jerry Tarkanian]] (9-11) and went 39–22 the rest of the season, and reached the Western Conference semi-finals.  The next year the Spurs finished 55–27 but lost in the first round of playoffs.
+He has coached the [[San Antonio Spurs]], [[Philadelphia 76ers]] and [[Cleveland Cavaliers]], each for less than two seasons, compiling a 174–258 overall coaching record. His most successful stint was with the Spurs.  In 1992–93, he took over from [[Jerry Tarkanian]] (9–11) and went 39–22 the rest of the season, and reached the Western Conference semi-finals.  The next year the Spurs finished 55–27 but lost in the first round of playoffs.
 Prior to accepting the head coaching position for the Cavs, he was assistant coach for the [[Denver Nuggets]] for three seasons.
@@ Line 237: / Line 247: @@
 Lucas was hired for the 2009–10 NBA season as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Clippers under head coach [[Mike Dunleavy, Sr.|Mike Dunleavy]].
-Lucas began working with former NFL first round pick [[JaMarcus Russell]] in 2010 as a life coach, but ceased this role in April 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5618297|title = Sources: John Lucas advising ex-Raider Russell|date = September 26, 2010}}</ref>
+Lucas began working with former NFL first round pick [[JaMarcus Russell]] in 2010 as a life coach, but ceased this role in April 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nfl/news/story?id=5618297|title = Sources: John Lucas advising ex-Raider Russell|date = September 26, 2010}}</ref>
 In July 2016, Lucas joined the Houston Rockets as a player development coach.<ref>[http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/John-Lucas-to-join-Rockets-organization-8332355.php John Lucas to join Rockets organization]</ref> On November 6, 2020, Lucas was announced as an assistant in the staff of new Rockets head coach [[Stephen Silas]].<ref>{{cite web |title=John Lucas joins Stephen Silas' staff with Houston Rockets |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/30262637/john-lucas-joins-stephen-silas-staff-houston-rockets-sources-say |website=ESPN |access-date=June 7, 2022 |date=November 6, 2020}}</ref>
@@ Line 287: / Line 297: @@
 ==Personal life==
-Lucas's elder son [[John Lucas III]] played college basketball at [[Oklahoma State University – Stillwater|Oklahoma State]], and has been a member of several NBA teams. His younger son, [[Jai Lucas|Jai]], played [[college basketball]] at the [[University of Texas]].
+Lucas's elder son [[John Lucas III]] played college basketball at [[Oklahoma State University – Stillwater|Oklahoma State]] and has been a member of several NBA teams. His younger son, [[Jai Lucas|Jai]], is currently an assistant coach at [[Duke University]] and also played [[college basketball]] at the [[University of Texas]].
 ==See also==
@@ Line 301: / Line 311: @@
 * [https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/l/lucasjo01.html BasketballReference.com: John Lucas (as player)]
-{{Houston Rockets current roster}}
 {{Navboxes|list=
+{{San Antonio Spurs coach navbox}}
+{{Philadelphia 76ers coach navbox}}
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+{{Cleveland Cavaliers coach navbox}}
 {{United States Squad 1974 FIBA World Championship}}
 {{1975 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans}}
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 {{NBA NumberOne Draft Picks}}
 {{1976 NBA draft}}
-{{San Antonio Spurs coach navbox}}
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 [[Category:Living people]]
 [[Category:African-American basketball coaches]]
-[[Category:African-American basketball players]]
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+[[Category:African-American tennis players]]
 [[Category:All-American college men's basketball players]]
 [[Category:American male tennis players]]
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 [[Category:American tennis coaches]]
 [[Category:Basketball coaches from North Carolina]]
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+[[Category:Basketball players from Durham, North Carolina]]
 [[Category:Cleveland Cavaliers head coaches]]
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 [[Category:San Antonio Spurs players]]
 [[Category:Seattle SuperSonics players]]
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+[[Category:Tennis players from North Carolina]]
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 [[Category:Washington Bullets players]]
 [[Category:Wichita Falls Texans players]]
-[[Category:21st-century African-American people]]
+[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
-[[Category:20th-century African-American sportspeople]]
+[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]
 [[Category:1974 FIBA World Championship players]]
+[[Category:First overall NBA draft picks]]