In 1995, former NBA star Roy Tarpley was banned from the league for violating its substance abuse policy. Ten years later, former NBA player and coach John Lucas says a clean Tarpley could be back in the league next season. Lucas said Friday he is hopeful the NBA will overturn the ban of the 40-year-old former Dallas Maverick during the offseason.
“Roy Tarpley may be reinstated,” Lucas said. “His investigation has already been started. It’s been a 10-year drought. Roy is looking very good. He has a chance to be a backup. He can play; his conditioning is really good and his body is holding up.
“But more important is he has his life turned back around.”
The 1988 NBA sixth man of the year was banned from the league in October 1991 for using cocaine, a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. After playing in Greece for two years, he was reinstated by the NBA in 1994.
But Tarpley was “permanently” banned from the league in December 1995 for using alcohol and violating the terms of a court-imposed personal after-care program. NBA spokesman Tim Frank acknowledged Tarpley had submitted his application for reinstatement, which is under review.
Lucas said he believes Tarpley can be a solid NBA reserve despite his age. Tarpley has been working out for Lucas in Houston. Lucas also serves as his mentor.
“He still has his good hands,” Lucas said. “Obviously, he’s 40. But (Atlanta’s Kevin) Willis is over 40 and other guys have played over 40.”
Lucas can relate to Tarpley’s situation. Drug use also brought down Lucas, tarnishing his NBA career.
“I was there 20 years ago, so I know,” Lucas said. “I’m 20 years sober, and I know what it takes to get back.”
Lucas was in Minneapolis on Wednesday to see Minnesota Timberwolves forward Eddie Griffin complete a successful season. Griffin has spent time in the Betty Ford Center for treatment for alcohol abuse, as well as a residential alcohol treatment program overseen by Lucas. The 6-foot-10, 232-pounder averaged 7.5 points and 6.5 rebounds this past season and will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Word is Minnesota would like to re-sign him to a long-term contract at the midlevel exception.
“Eddie came back a long way from when I saw him last February (of 2004),” Lucas said. “He turned his life around.”
While Lucas is hoping to get Tarpley back into the NBA, he also hopes he can get back into the game as a coach. The former Nuggets assistant served as head coach at San Antonio from 1992-94, at Philadelphia from 1994-96 and at Cleveland from 2001-03. He has a 173-258 coaching record in the NBA.
“The Cleveland job was so tough,” Lucas said. “The reality of it was we were trying to get LeBron James (in the 2003 draft). It worked out. They got LeBron, and they sold the team. I’ve been in turnaround situations my last two jobs. I would like to have (a new) opportunity.”
Footnotes
Octagon signed to represent Wake Forest All-America point guard Chris Paul. Paul, who recently announced his decision to forgo his final two years of eligibility, could be a top-five pick in the June 28 draft. He averaged 15.3 points and 6.6 assists last season. … The Nuggets will have the 17th and 21st picks in the draft. There’s a good chance the league will adopt an age limit, so expect some quality prospects to drop into the second half of the first round. … Lucas said his son, John Jr., a senior guard at Oklahoma State this past season, plans on going to Chicago for the pre-draft camp from June 7-10. While the younger Lucas starred with the Cowboys, it’s not a certainty he will get drafted. At 5-11, scouts worry about his slight build. “It’s going to be tough. But there is a place for him (in the league),” the elder Lucas said. … Republic of Georgia Unics Kazan guard Shammond Williams was recently robbed of $10,000, according to Georgian Sports. Criminals entered
Williams’ room when he was in Cyprus playing in FIBA Europe’s All-Star Game. The former Nugget scored 20 points for the World team and earned most valuable player honors. … According to the Washington Times, Charlotte Bobcats part owner and rap star Nelly had seats along the baseline and yelled “Don’t” when the Wizards attempted free throws during an April 17 game in Washington. Nelly’s actions drew laughter from Wizards players. All-star forward Antawn Jamison said, “He got me,” after missing a free throw with 3:36 to play. … Former NBA player Anthony Parker was named the 2005 Euroleague most valuable player. The Tel Aviv Maccabi star earned 19 of the 30 first-place votes from journalists across Europe after averaging 18.4 points, 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
