No doubt there were hecklers on hand to razz James Naismith about the way he nailed up the first peach basket. It seems hecklers have always played a part in the game of basketball.

But the average heckler is that guy in the stands who uses opposing players and coaches as the punch lines to his jokes.

The average heckler does not have a seat on the bench and insider information to fuel his fiery lines. That's Cavaliers coach John Lucas, heckler extraordinaire.

"Since the first time I was on the court, I could hear Lucas over the crowd," said Houston guard Moochie Norris. "Lucas is like Gary Payton. His mouth is off the chain. I wasn't so surprised that he was talking junk because he's a funny guy, but I was surprised that he talked like that during games."

Talking is only part of Lucas' shtick.

When an opposing player goes to the free-throw line, watch for the "Lucas stomp" just before the player attempts his shot. Also, listen for Lucas to yell before a free throw is attempted. If an opponent has the ball near the Cavs' bench, this is a perfect time for Lucas to engage the player in a conversation or a time for Lucas to tap his feet on the court faster than a rock 'n' roll drummer.

Ask Lucas about his tactics and he'll give you that "Who, me?" look.

"Sometimes people give me more credit than I deserve for being a good heckler," said a smiling Lucas. "But I'm trying to win games. I'm trying to get a rise out of someone. I'll do anything to help a guy miss a free throw."

Forward Jumaine Jones wasn't sure what was going on during the Cavs' first preseason game. It was Jones' first time with the Cavs after a trade with Philadelphia during the summer. Lucas' antics caught him off guard.

"I thought it was so funny the way he talked to the guys on the other team," Jones said. "But he has a great relationship with so many players, so that allows him to talk noise and get away with it. He's the only one that can do it and get away with it."

Wes Person was also amazed the first time he experienced Lucas joking with opposing players. Now, it's something Person expects.

"Joking around is just 'Luc,' " Person said. "He's a fun guy to be around. He carries his same personality out on the court. His joking is all in fun. It gets him going when he can mess with someone. It makes you laugh and loosens you up a bit."

Norris said some of the players developed relationships with Lucas during the summer while working out in Houston.

"Lucas jokes around with us in the summer but I never thought he'd do it in games," Norris said. "He never says anything vulgar. It's things that make you laugh. He'll talk about my long socks, my Afro or he'll yell out to his team how to defend me. He's so much fun to be around.

"Lucas is one of those guys where it's hard for him to have any enemies."