Lionel Hollins was a member of the 1977 Portland Trail Blazer team that won the NBA title.
That’s where Hollins met Maurice Lucas, the quintessential power forward who was at the heart of that Portland team. Hollins has remained close to Lucas throughout the years. Lucas passed away this week at the age of 58, losing a battle with cancer.
That’s why he is missing the Grizzlies game Friday against the Suns to attend Lucas’ funeral, as he told the Commercial Appeal.
“It’s very important for me to be there,” Hollins said. “I’m close to his wife and his kids. He’s like a brother to me so I need to be there. I need to have closure as well. It’s hard to accept. He was a good person. I would be kicking myself for a long time if I didn’t go.”
Assistant coach David Joerger will take over the big chair for one game.
