HOUSTON — John Lucas II is indelibly linked with Houston and the Rockets. Lucas grew up in Durham, N.C., went to the University of Maryland and played on great Lefty Driesell teams, then was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1976 NBA Draft. Lucas played 14 NBA seasons, including three stints with the Rockets, despite an addiction problem with drugs and alcohol.
Lucas underwent rehab and started his own recovery program, which still helps addicts today. Lucas also has been an assistant coach with the Spurs (1992-94), 76ers (1994-96) and Cavaliers (2001-03); general manager of the 76ers; and assistant coach with the Nuggets, Clippers and now the Rockets.