Page "Kermit Washington" Paragraph 32

Washington shared time at the Trail Blazers power forward spot with Maurice Lucas at first, but after Lucas ' trade to the New Jersey Nets, he became the full time starter.

He played three seasons in Portland, during which he earned a spot in the 1980 NBA All-Star Game, after some of the top players sat out due to injury.

During that All-Star weekend, which was held in Landover, Maryland, nearby American held a halftime ceremony in which they retired Washington's number.

He was named a team captain for the following season.

In his post-punch career, numerous players, coaches, and officials noted that he became less aggressive on the court out of fear of getting into another fight ; something he never did.

Washington started experiencing pain in his back and knees during the 1980 – 81 season.

The pain became unbearable during the 1981 – 82 season, and he retired in January 1982 after missing all but 20 games.

In 1987, after more than five years out of the league, he tried to make a comeback with the Warriors, but lasted only eight games on the roster ( playing in six of them ) before being cut.