Maurice Lucas will return to the Blazers this year after missing all of last season due to bladder cancer.

Lucas, a forward on Portland's 1977 NBA title-winning team, will return as an assistant coach.

However, he isn't sure if he'll be able to attend all 82 games. He hasn't fully recovered from bladder surgery he had five months ago.

"I'm getting there, but it's a slow process," Lucas told the Oregonian. "I'm feeling pretty good though. We will see. I will play it by ear."

Lucas is primarily responsible for coaching the team's big men.