<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>The Toronto Raptors announced Friday they have hired John Lucas as a basketball development consultant for the remainder of the 2007-08 season. He will assist the coaching staff with the development of the players’ on-court skills. Lucas, 54, was the first overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets. He played with six teams during his 14-year NBA career from 1976-90. He has also served as a head coach with San Antonio, Philadelphia and Cleveland, as well as an assistant coach with Denver.</div> http://www.nba.com/raptors/news/pressrelease_022908.html
Super move. Like Smitch said, they'll do anything to make Ford feel more comfortable. The best part in the Lucas really believes in the team and has a desire to work with other players he feels he can help. It may be kind of subtle, but I think this move could have a big impact on the team. Just more talent to hang around and help Sam out.
I remember the Raps talking about sending Bargnani to him over the summer. This makes that a lot easier. I liked listening to him during that one halftime interview (very insightful) and his reputation speaks for itself. Solid move by BC.
WTF? I thought Lucas was working with the Nets, and Marcus Williams!!! This is bullshit. Give us our Lucas back.
TJ's jumper is still hot and cold. I don't think that's ever going to change. But he looks recovered, and his confidence is back, so Lucas must've done something worthwhile other than looking like Terry Porter.
I'm not sure I understand this move. But obviously BC and company like the guy. Why else would they have let TJ go M.I.A with him and then hired him on. Makes me kind of concerned about TJ and his stability, if he needs his own personal coach. I also don't know what JL brings to the table. He was a bad coach and had substance abuse problems as a player (albeit resolved). All that being said Tj has been playing pretty well since returning, so if it 'aint broke...
Lucas is pretty well-known for his one-on-one work with players. I've heard that he's been working with other players during Raptors practices (Jack Armstrong mentioned him working with Kris Humphries), so I think the coaching staff will allow players to approach him for help. I think he's a great resource to have around, similar to Hopla last year.
