Anfernee Simons Named Recipient of the 2021-22 Maurice Lucas Award
Team’s Annual Recognition Given to Player Who Best Exemplifies the Spirit of Lucas
PORTLAND, Ore. (March 28, 2022) – The Portland Trail Blazers have named guard Anfernee Simons as the recipient of the 2021-22 Maurice Lucas Award, the team announced today.
The annual award was created in 2010-11 to honor the Trail Blazers player who best represents the indomitable spirit of Maurice Lucas through his contributions on and off the court, as well as in support of his teammates and the organization. In recognition of the award, the Trail Blazers will make a $5,000 donation to Simons’ foundation, Be A Light Inc.
Simons has been a very active member of the Rip City community since being drafted in 2018, lending support to families and youth throughout Oregon as well as back home in Central Florida through donations and events. Over the holiday season Simons provided turkeys, full Thanksgiving meals, toys and backpacks to families and children in need. The Altamonte Springs-native has focused on educational outreach, participating in Q&A sessions with the Trail Blazers Kids Club and Y.O.U.th., providing scholarships and holding town halls on financial literacy for young adults through his Be A Light foundation.
“It is with great pride and honor to present the 2022 Maurice Lucas award to Anfernee Simons, a player who has committed himself to playing hard and fearless basketball,” said Pam Lucas, widow of Maurice Lucas. “His focus to be a light for youth through service personifies the character of my husband. His outstanding qualities on and off the court makes Anfernee an ideal recipient of this award.”
MAURICE LUCAS AWARD WINNERS
2020-21 – Anfernee Simons
2020-21 – Enes Kanter
2019-20 – Carmelo Anthony
2018-19 – Jusuf Nurkic
2017-18 – Evan Turner
2016-17 – Al-Farouq Aminu
2015-16 – Ed Davis
2014-15 – LaMarcus Aldridge
2013-14 – Robin Lopez
2012-13 – Damian Lillard
2011-12 – Wesley Matthews
2010-11 – LaMarcus Aldridge
About the Maurice Lucas Foundation
The Foundation is named in honor of the late Maurice Lucas (1952-2010), the leading scorer on the 1977 NBA champion Trail Blazers team. Besides his outstanding achievements on the court, Lucas also selflessly gave his time and energy to Portland youth. Since its formation in 2010, the Maurice Lucas Foundation has served thousands of students and families through its Academy program, basketball camps and teams.