NBA's Greatest Players in History: Jerry Lucas

• 7-time NBA All-Star and 3-time All-NBA First Team selection
• Olympic gold medalist in 1960 as part of one of the greatest amateur teams ever assembled
• NBA champion with the New York Knicks in 1973
• Member of the 75th Anniversary Team

Jerry Lucas was a versatile forward renowned for his rebounding prowess, long-range shooting, and photographic memory, making him one of the most unique players in NBA history.

Overview

Jerry Lucas entered the NBA as one of the most accomplished basketball players of his generation. His career was marked by success at every level, from high school dominance in Ohio to a national championship at Ohio State, and an Olympic gold medal before turning pro. Lucas quickly established himself as an elite rebounder and scorer in the NBA, earning multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections during his prime years.

Career snapshot

Lucas began his professional career in the short-lived American Basketball League (ABL) before joining the NBA's Cincinnati Royals in 1963. He won Rookie of the Year honours in his first NBA season, setting the stage for a stellar career. Lucas was known for his exceptional rebounding skills, often leading the league in this category, and his ability to score from long range - a rarity for big men of his era.

Playing style

Lucas's game was built on intelligence and skill rather than raw athleticism. He had an uncanny ability to anticipate where missed shots would land, making him one of the greatest rebounders in league history despite not being the tallest or most athletic player on the court. Offensively, Lucas was ahead of his time, possessing a reliable jump shot that extended well beyond 20 feet - a precursor to today's stretch forwards.

Why Jerry Lucas is on our list

Lucas earns his place among the NBA's most dominant players for several reasons:

1. Rebounding Excellence: He led the league in rebounding percentage multiple times and remains one of the top rebounders in NBA history.
2. Versatility: Lucas could play both forward positions and centre, adapting his game to team needs.
3. Basketball IQ: His photographic memory and analytical approach to the game set him apart from his peers.
4. Consistency: Lucas maintained a high level of play throughout his career, evidenced by his multiple All-Star and All-NBA selections.
5. Championship Pedigree: He won at every level, culminating in an NBA championship with the Knicks in 1973.

Five Fast Facts

1. Lucas had a nearly perfect high school career, losing only one game.
2. He won an Olympic gold medal in 1960 alongside Oscar Robertson and Jerry West.
3. Lucas was known for his photographic memory and became a memory expert after his basketball career.
4. He averaged a double-double (17.0 points, 15.6 rebounds) over his 11-year NBA career.
5. In 1965, Lucas won the NBA All-Star Game MVP award, receiving a motorcycle as his prize.

Career Highlights Timeline

1958-1959: Led his high school team to state championships in both years

1960: Won NCAA championship with Ohio State and Olympic gold medal in Rome

1963: Joined the NBA with the Cincinnati Royals, winning Rookie of the Year

1964: Named to his first NBA All-Star team

1965: Won NBA All-Star Game MVP

1965-1968: Named to All-NBA First Team three times in four years

1969: Traded to the San Francisco Warriors

1971: Joined the New York Knicks

1973: Won NBA championship with the Knicks

1974: Retired from professional basketball

1980: Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Jerry Lucas's impact on basketball extends beyond his impressive statistics. His analytical approach to rebounding and shooting influenced future generations of players. Lucas's ability to stretch the floor as a big man was revolutionary for his time, foreshadowing the modern NBA's emphasis on spacing and three-point shooting.

His mental acuity, both on and off the court, set him apart from his peers. Lucas's photographic memory allowed him to recall plays and player tendencies with remarkable detail, giving him a unique advantage in game preparation and execution.

After retirement, Lucas leveraged his memory skills to become an author and speaker on memory techniques, further cementing his legacy as one of basketball's most intriguing personalities.

In the pantheon of NBA greats, Jerry Lucas stands out not just for his on-court achievements, but for the way he approached the game. His combination of physical skill and mental prowess made him a truly dominant force in NBA history, earning him a well-deserved place among the league's most influential players.

NBA's Greatest of All-Time List: Click the player's name to read their profile