John Lucas III: From College Standout to NBA Coaching Ranks

John Harding Lucas III, born on November 21, 1982, is an American professional basketball coach and former player. His journey through basketball has been diverse, encompassing roles from a high school standout to a college player, NBA player, and now a respected coach in both the NBA and WNBA. He is currently a player development coach for the Las Vegas Aces in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Early Life and High School Career

John Lucas III was born in Washington, D.C., to John Lucas II, a former NBA player and coach, and his wife, DeEdgra. He spent part of his youth in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania. Lucas attended Bellaire High School in Texas, where he excelled as the starting point guard for the basketball team. Notably, he played alongside future NBA players such as Emeka Okafor and Lawrence Roberts, setting the stage for his promising basketball career. John Lucas III graduated from Bellaire High School in Texas.

Collegiate Career

Baylor University and Transfer

John Lucas III began his college basketball career at Baylor University. However, his time there was short-lived due to the 2003 Baylor basketball scandal.

Oklahoma State University

Following the issues at Baylor, Lucas transferred to Oklahoma State University. At Oklahoma State, John became known for a special winning shot and was an instrumental member of the Cowboys run to the NCAA Final Four, earning Third Team All-American honors that season. His contributions were significant, marking him as a key player during that period. In 2004 he was an instrumental member of the Cowboys run to the NCAA Final Four, earning Third Team All-American honors that season.

Professional Playing Career

Early Career and NBA Development League

After going undrafted in the 2005 NBA draft, Lucas joined the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2005 NBA Summer League. The Timberwolves also signed him to their training camp roster. Despite not being initially drafted into the NBA, Lucas's skills and determination led him to the NBA Development League (D-League). He signed with the Houston Rockets. During the 2005-06 NBA season, Lucas was called up by the Houston Rockets from the Tulsa 66ers in December 2005. This made him the first player from the Tulsa 66ers to be called up to the NBA. He played 13 games for the Rockets between December and February. Lucas's call-up made him the first Tulsa 66ers player to be called up from the NBA Development League.

Houston Rockets (2006-2007)

On July 28, 2006, Lucas signed with the Rockets to a three-year contract. In the 2006-07 season, Lucas and the Rockets made it to the playoffs, where they lost to the Utah Jazz in the first round, in 7 games.

Overseas Experience

After being released by the Rockets in 2007, Lucas ventured overseas, joining Benetton Treviso in Italy in January 2008. However, he was released by Treviso in March. He showcased his talent in various leagues, gaining international experience. He subsequently returned to Italian basketball, joining Benetton Treviso in January 2008. He was then later released by Treviso in March. In May 2006, John signed with Snaidero Udine in the Italian League. In 2009, John played for the Shanghai Sharks in the CBA. Lucas spent the 2010 NBA preseason with the Chicago Bulls but was waived on October 21. The Bulls re-signed him on November 26. In his debut for the Bulls, Lucas missed two critical free throws in the final seconds of a 98-97 loss to the Denver Nuggets. He was waived on January 4, 2011, and signed with the Shanghai Sharks in China. After his 2-month China stint, he returned to America and re-signed with the Bulls on March 20, 2011. In February 2009, he signed with the Colorado 14ers and helped them go on to win the 2008-09 D-League championship.

Return to the NBA

Lucas continued to pursue his NBA career, showcasing his skills in different teams and leagues. Lucas played in the 2009 NBA preseason for the Miami Heat. He played four games and averaged 7.0 points, 2.3 assists and 1.3 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game. Lucas spent the 2010 NBA preseason with the Chicago Bulls but was waived on October 21. The Bulls re-signed him on November 26.

Chicago Bulls (2010-2012)

Lucas returned to the Chicago Bulls, proving his value as a reliable guard. On January 11, 2012, Lucas received his first-ever NBA start and achieved a career-high of 25 points, leading the Bulls in a 78-64 win over the Washington Wizards. On March 14, 2012, the Bulls hosted the Miami Heat. The Bulls were missing Derrick Rose, who was out due to a groin injury. On March 14, 2012, John scored 24 points against the Miami Heat. He led the Chicago Bulls to a 106-102 victory. A week later, on March 21, 2012, he helped the Bulls make a comeback win against the Toronto Raptors.

Toronto Raptors and Subsequent Teams (2012-2016)

After his time with the Bulls, Lucas signed with the Toronto Raptors in July 2012. In 2014, John was part of several trades. He was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers, then to the Boston Celtics, and later signed with the Washington Wizards. He returned to China to play for the Fujian Sturgeons for the 2014-15 CBA season. He averaged 26.3 points per game there. In 2016, John played for the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA Development League. He also played for Piratas de Quebradillas in the Puerto Rican League.

Coaching Career

Early Coaching Roles

Lucas transitioned into coaching, leveraging his extensive playing experience to mentor and develop players. On September 21, 2017, the Minnesota Timberwolves hired John as a Player Development Coach.

Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns

Lucas's coaching career continued to advance as he joined prominent NBA teams. In September 2021, the Los Angeles Lakers hired John as an assistant coach. On June 17, 2023, it was reported that Lucas was hired as an assistant coach for the Phoenix Suns under head coach Frank Vogel. The hiring, alongside the rest of the Suns' newest coaching staff, was made official on June 21, 2023.

Las Vegas Aces

Currently, John Harding Lucas III serves as a player development coach for the Las Vegas Aces in the WNBA, further solidifying his role as a respected figure in basketball coaching.

Achievements and Highlights

Third Team All-American honors at Oklahoma State University
NBA D-League championship with the Colorado 14ers (2008-09)
Career-high 25 points in an NBA game against the Washington Wizards (January 11, 2012)

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