Houston Rockets: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history

8. John Lucas (PG) — No. 1 pick in 1976 NBA Draft

Career stats (with the Rockets):  325 GP, 11.6 PPG, 7.3 APG, 2.4 RPG, 1.4 SPG, 2.3 TOV, 44.6 FG%, 30.8 3P%, 78.0 FT%

Unfortunately for Lucas and the Rockets, the former No. 1 overall pick was never abler to live up lofty expectations after a stellar four-year career at Maryland. As has been well publicized, Lucas one of the first big-name players to succumb to the use off illicit substances off the court.

Lucas’ career could certainly have taken a different turn if he had played in another era. When the Rockets signed veteran guard Rick Barry from the Golden State Warriors, as there was no free-agency, it was up to there NBA Commissioner at the time, Larry O’Brien, to decide the  compensation.

It was decided at the time that Lucas would be the man, despite just finishing his second season at age 25, and Barry being 35 and past his prime.

The result was Lucas wound up in the San Francisco, at which time he succumbed to the Bay Area’s drug culture, in particular cocaine and alcohol. This would haunt Lucas for the rest of his playing days, as he bounced around from one team to another, including another two separate stints with Houston.

Having said all that, Lucas still managed to somehow compile some very impressive seasons during 14 years in the league. In the second season of his second stop with the Rockets, Lucas averaged 15.5 points and 8.8 assists per game at age 32. In all, Lucas played for six NBA teams, with his three consecutive seasons with the Warriors being the longest single stop in his career.

Lucas is now back in an official capacity with the Rockets as their player development coach.