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Maurice Cheeks
Maurice Cheeks
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Maurice Edward Cheeks (born September 8, 1956) is an American professional basketball coach and former player who serves as an assistant coach for the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has also served as head coach of the Portland Trail Blazers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Detroit Pistons. Cheeks was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player in 2018.[1] He was the first player with 2,000 steals solely in the NBA.[2]

Key Information

Early life and college

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Cheeks was born in Chicago on September 8, 1956, and grew up in the Robert Taylor Homes. He attended DuSable High School.[1][3] He only had significant playing time on the basketball team in his senior year.[4] His high school teammate William Dise was heavily recruited by college basketball programs, and Dise told the schools that if they wanted him, they also had to offer Cheeks a scholarship to join him. Ron Ekker, head coach at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M) only agreed to accept both Dise and Cheeks after their high school coach, Bob Bonner, said Cheeks would eventually be the better player; and then watching Cheeks play in a local gym pickup game.[3]

Cheeks attended West Texas from 1974 to 1978, and was a four-year starter under Ekker. He wanted to leave after his first year, but his mother convinced Cheeks to stay.[3] He was an All-Missouri Valley Conference player for three straight seasons (first team in 1975-1976 and 1977-1978, and second team in 1976-1977). He was selected team Most Valuable Player three times. As a senior, he averaged 16.8 points per game, and shot nearly 57% for his collegiate career.[5][6]

As of 2024, Cheeks ranks 5th in field goal percentage in WTSU/WTAM history (56.8), 12th in points per game for a career (11.8) and total field goals, and had the fourth most free throws made in a single season (212).[7]

Cheeks was inducted into the West Texas A & M Hall of Champions in 1988.[8] He was inducted into the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame in 2021.[5] He was selected to the Missouri Valley Conference Men's Basketball 50 Greatest Players.[7]

Playing career

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After college, Cheeks was selected as the 36th pick in the second round of the 1978 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.[5] He played 15 years as a point guard in the NBA, including 11 with the Philadelphia 76ers.[9][10] As a 76er, he earned four trips to the NBA All-Star Game,[1][11] and he helped the 76ers to three trips to the NBA Finals in a four-year span in the early 1980s (1980, 1982, and 1983), including an NBA championship in 1983.[12]

While starting at point guard for a Sixers team that at times included stars Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Andrew Toney, and Charles Barkley,[13][14] Cheeks was well regarded for his team play and defensive skills. He was named to four straight NBA All-Defensive squads from 1983 to 1986, and earned a spot on the second team in 1987.[15] When he retired in 1993, he was fifth in NBA history in total assists, and as of 2024, he is sixteenth on the combined ABA/NBA assist list.[2][16]

Philadelphia 76ers (1978–1989)

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He had his best seasons with the 76ers. At the young age of 22 he gained a notable role on the 76ers, solidifying himself as the starting point guard and earning himself valuable minutes, starting all 82 games and playing nearly 30 minutes per game.[9] The 76ers were also in playoff contention for every year that he was on the team except for the 1987–88 season.[12]

By his fifth year in the league, he was selected to his first All-Star appearance, starting the game,[17] and had averaged 12.5 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.3 steals for the 1982–83 season.[9] The 76ers also had the best season in this 76ers era, having a 65–17 record. This is the second-best season record in the 76ers franchise history, the 1966-1967 team being 68-13; and the second-best record league-wide in the 1980s behind only the 1986 Boston Celtics.[18]

They would go on to win the NBA championship that year, which was Cheeks' first and only championship.[19] He would be an integral part of the 76ers for the rest of his time in Philadelphia, however the 76ers failed to repeat the level of success that they reached in the 1982–83 season. He would be selected to three more All-Star appearances from 1986 to 1988.[20][21][22] In the 1986 playoffs he averaged a playoff career high 20.8 points throughout the whole postseason.[23]

In the 1986–87 season he would average a career high 15.6 points.[9] However the 76ers were no longer elite title contenders and lost in the first round in the 1987 playoffs.[24] The following year they missed the playoffs in what was Cheeks' last all-star appearance. Cheeks played one more season for the 76ers; they were back in the playoffs but got swept in the first round by the New York Knicks.[25]

San Antonio Spurs (1989–1990)

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In the 1989 off-season the Philadelphia 76ers traded Maurice Cheeks, Chris Welp, and David Wingate to the San Antonio Spurs for Johnny Dawkins and Jay Vincent.[9] At 33 years old, Cheeks was aging and in the twilight of his career but he still played well for the Spurs and averaged 10.9 points for his time in San Antonio. He played 50 games for the club and was the starting point guard.[9] However he was not able to finish the 1989–90 season for the Spurs as he was traded to the Knicks before the season ended.

New York Knicks (1990–1991)

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On February 21, 1990, Cheeks was traded to the New York Knicks for Rod Strickland.[9] Cheeks played the remainder of the season in New York, averaging 7.9 points in 31 games for the franchise.[26] The Knicks went 45–37 that year and made the 1990 playoffs, however they lost in the second round 1–4 to the Detroit Pistons.[27] The following season, Cheeks played in 76 games, averaging 7.8 points per game and 5.7 assists per game,[9] and the Knicks made the playoffs, but were swept by the Bulls in the first round.[28]

Atlanta Hawks (1991–1992)

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In the 1991 off-season the New York Knicks traded Cheeks to the Atlanta Hawks for Tim McCormick and a 1994 first round draft pick (which later became Charlie Ward).[9] Cheeks' points average dropped drastically to 4.6[9] and he was no longer a starting calibre player. He became an unrestricted free agent in the 1992 off-season and did not re-sign with the Hawks.[29]

In the second-to-last game of the 1991–92 season (April 15, 1992), while playing for the Hawks against the Knicks, Cheeks picked off four steals to surpass longtime Philadelphia teammate Julius Erving's steals record of 2,272 for combined ABA and NBA steals.[30]

New Jersey Nets (1992–1993)

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On January 7, 1993, the New Jersey Nets signed Cheeks as a free agent.[9][29] He averaged a career-low 3.6 points for the season and he only played 35 games for the franchise.[9] The Nets reached the playoffs but lost in the first round 2–3 to the Cleveland Cavaliers.[31]

After the season ended Cheeks became a free agent but never played in the NBA again. At 36 years old he retired from the NBA.

Career

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In NBA history, as of 2024, Cheeks ranks sixth in steals[9] and sixteenth in assists among ABA/NBA combined rankings.[32][16] Upon his retirement from the NBA in 1993, he was the NBA all-time leader in steals, third all-time in playoff steals, and fifth in assists.[2] He averaged 11.7 points and over 2 steals per game for his career.[9] In his rookie year, Cheeks averaged 4.1 steals per game in the 1979 NBA Playoffs (37 steals in nine games),[9] an NBA record for one playoff run (as of 2024).[19][33] As of 2024, he is second all-time in playoff steals per game average, behind only Baron Davis.[34]

Coaching career

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After retirement, Cheeks spent one year coaching for the Continental Basketball Association’s Quad City Thunder,[35] before becoming the 76ers assistant coach in 1994 through 2001.[11][36][19] He coached under head coaches John Lucas (1994–96), Johnny Davis (1996–97), and Larry Brown,[37] and he was an instrumental part[citation needed] of the Philadelphia team that reached the 2001 NBA Finals. In 2001, he was hired as Portland Trail Blazers head coach. He led the team to two playoff berths in four years as coach, but could not get past the first round. He was fired after a poor start to the 2004–05 campaign.[38]

On April 25, 2003, during a game between the Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks, Cheeks famously aided 13-year-old Natalie Gilbert in singing the American national anthem. After Gilbert forgot the words at "At the twilight's last gleaming," Cheeks rushed over to help her, and they finished it together as the entire Rose Garden Arena crowd sang with them. Cheeks and Gilbert received a standing ovation after the song was over.[39][40] Cheeks actions were used by Harvard Business School Professor Thomas J. DeLong as an example of true leadership in times of crisis.[41] Former 76ers general manager Pat Williams called it "'just a beautiful moment of ... humanity.'"[42]

In 2005, Cheeks was named as head coach of the 76ers.[10] Cheeks was popular among 76ers fans because of his eleven-year tenure with the 76ers, during which he helped guide the 76ers to the 1983 NBA championship. The move was also praised by 76ers star Allen Iverson, who worked with Cheeks during his run as 76ers' Assistant Head Coach.[43]

However, he missed the playoffs in each of his first two seasons.[12] Frustrations began to grow with 76ers veterans Allen Iverson and Chris Webber, who were not happy with the team's direction.[44] Toward the end of the 2006 season, the two were fined for tardiness coming to a game, but soon apologized profusely to Cheeks.[45][46] During the 2006–07 season, Iverson would be traded to the Nuggets and Webber would be released,[47] leaving Cheeks with one of the youngest teams in the NBA.[48] On February 20, 2007, the 76ers extended Cheeks' contract one year despite his losing record as coach.[49]

At the beginning of the 2007–08 season, expectations were low and the 76ers were picked to finish last in the Conference by many prognosticators.[50] However, the Sixers clinched a playoff berth with a win over the Atlanta Hawks on April 4, 2008.[51] It was their first postseason appearance since 2005, as well as the first in the post-Iverson era. However, they were eliminated by the Detroit Pistons, 4–2. Even with this elimination, many fans considered this to be a successful season, considering that the 76ers were 12 games under .500 in early February and went on to have a 21–7 run that led them to the playoffs.[52]

The 76ers extended Cheeks' contract before the 2008-2009 season to 2010.[53] They started out the 2008–09 NBA season 9–14 despite their signing of Elton Brand and re-signing of Andre Iguodala during the off-season. Due to their slow start, the 76ers fired Cheeks on December 13, 2008.[54][10]

On August 14, 2009, he was hired as an assistant coach for the Oklahoma City Thunder.[55]

On June 10, 2013, Cheeks agreed to become the head coach of the Detroit Pistons.[56] On February 9, 2014, the Detroit Pistons relieved him of his head coaching duties and replaced him with John Loyer on an interim basis for the remainder of the season.[57] The move came after owner Tom Gores suggested that the Pistons were "better than our record" and weren't playing "at their maximum"—a veiled criticism of Cheeks.[58]

On June 29, 2015, Cheeks returned to the Thunder as an assistant coach.[59]

On November 14, 2020, Cheeks was hired by the Chicago Bulls as an assistant coach following the team's hiring of Billy Donovan.[60]

On June 13, 2024, it was reported that Tom Thibodeau was hiring Cheeks to be an assistant coach for the New York Knicks,[61] and Cheeks joined the Knicks coaching staff for the 2024-2025 season.[62]

Honors and awards

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On September 7, 2018, Cheeks was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a player.[63] In 2008, he was inducted into the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame.[64] In 1995, the 76ers retired Cheeks No. 10 jersey.[65] He was inducted into the West Texas A & M Hall of Champions (1988), and the Missouri Valley Conference Hall of Fame (2021), and was named one of the MVC's 50 greatest players.

In 2022, a group of present and former Philadelphia Inquirer sports writers ranked Cheeks as the seventh greatest Sixer of all-time, only behind fellow hall of fame players Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Moses Malone, Allen Iverson, Charles Barkley and Hal Greer.[11] In one NBA ranking of the greatest backcourt duos in league history, Cheeks and Andrew Toney were ranked eleventh out of seventy pairs.[66] In 2017, the 76ers unveiled a statue of Cheeks outside their training facility in Camden, New Jersey, joining the statues of Hal Greer, Billy Cunningham (Cheeks' former coach) and Wilt Chamberlain. On the same day, Cheeks, then an assistant coach with the Thunder, was in Philadelphia for the Thunder-Sixers game and was honored with a video montage during the game. He received a standing ovation from the Philadelphia fans, while his team stood and cheered along.[65]

NBA career statistics

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Legend
  GP Games played   GS  Games started  MPG  Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage  3P%  3-point field goal percentage  FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game  APG  Assists per game  SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game  PPG  Points per game  Bold  Career high
 †  Won an NBA championship

Regular season

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1978–79 Philadelphia 82 29.4 .510 .721 3.1 5.3 2.1 .1 8.4
1979–80 Philadelphia 79 33.2 .540 .444 .779 3.5 7.0 2.3 .4 11.4
1980–81 Philadelphia 81 29.8 .534 .375 .787 3.0 6.9 2.4 .5 9.4
1981–82 Philadelphia 79 79 31.6 .521 .273 .777 3.1 8.4 2.6 .4 11.2
1982–83 Philadelphia 79 79 31.2 .542 .167 .754 2.6 6.9 2.3 .4 12.5
1983–84 Philadelphia 75 75 33.3 .550 .400 .733 2.7 6.4 2.3 .3 12.7
1984–85 Philadelphia 78 78 33.5 .570 .231 .879 2.8 6.4 2.2 .3 13.1
1985–86 Philadelphia 82 82 39.9 .537 .235 .842 2.9 9.2 2.5 .3 15.4
1986–87 Philadelphia 68 68 38.6 .527 .235 .777 3.2 7.9 2.6 .2 15.6
1987–88 Philadelphia 79 79 36.3 .495 .136 .825 3.2 8.0 2.1 .3 13.7
1988–89 Philadelphia 71 70 32.4 .483 .077 .774 2.6 7.8 1.5 .2 11.6
1989–90 San Antonio 50 49 35.3 .478 .111 .832 3.3 6.0 1.6 .1 10.9
1989–90 New York 31 13 24.3 .579 .429 .877 2.4 4.9 1.4 .2 7.9
1990–91 New York 76 64 28.3 .499 .250 .814 2.3 5.7 1.7 .1 7.8
1991–92 Atlanta 56 0 19.4 .462 .500 .605 1.7 3.3 1.5 .0 4.6
1992–93 New Jersey 35 0 14.6 .548 .000 .889 1.2 3.1 .9 .1 3.6
Career 1101 736 31.6 .523 .255 .793 2.8 6.7 2.1 .3 11.1
All-Star 4 1 11.0 .438 1.000 .8 1.0 .8 .0 4.0

Playoffs

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Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
1979 Philadelphia 9 36.7 .545 .661 3.9 7.0 4.1 .4 18.8
1980 Philadelphia 18 37.5 .511 .200 .707 4.1 6.2 2.5 .2 11.6
1981 Philadelphia 16 32.1 .544 .000 .762 3.2 7.3 2.5 .8 10.5
1982 Philadelphia 21 36.4 .472 .111 .769 3.0 8.2 2.3 .3 14.3
1983 Philadelphia 13 37.2 .503 .500 .703 3.0 7.0 2.0 .2 16.3
1984 Philadelphia 5 34.2 .522 .000 .867 2.4 3.8 2.6 .0 16.6
1985 Philadelphia 13 13 37.2 .529 .000 .857 3.5 5.2 2.4 .4 15.2
1986 Philadelphia 12 12 43.3 .516 .000 .849 4.7 7.1 1.1 .3 20.8
1987 Philadelphia 5 5 42.0 .530 .000 .857 2.6 8.8 1.8 .8 17.6
1989 Philadelphia 3 3 42.7 .512 .000 .846 3.7 13.0 2.3 .3 17.7
1990 New York 10 10 38.8 .481 .000 .903 3.9 8.5 1.7 .2 12.8
1991 New York 3 3 33.7 .609 .333 .500 3.0 5.3 1.0 .3 10.0
1993 New Jersey 5 0 16.4 .478 .000 1.2 2.8 1.2 .2 4.4
Career 133 46 36.5 .512 .098 .777 3.4 6.9 2.2 .3 14.4

Head coaching record

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Legend
Regular season G Games coached W Games won L Games lost W–L % Win–loss %
Playoffs PG Playoff games PW Playoff wins PL Playoff losses PW–L % Playoff win–loss %
Team Year G W L W–L% Finish PG PW PL PW–L% Result
Portland 2001–02 82 49 33 .598 3rd in Pacific 3 0 3 .000 Lost in First round
Portland 2002–03 82 50 32 .610 3rd in Pacific 7 3 4 .429 Lost in First round
Portland 2003–04 82 41 41 .500 3rd in Pacific Missed Playoffs
Portland 2004–05 55 22 33 .400 (fired)
Philadelphia 2005–06 82 38 44 .463 2nd in Atlantic Missed Playoffs
Philadelphia 2006–07 82 35 47 .427 3rd in Atlantic Missed Playoffs
Philadelphia 2007–08 82 40 42 .488 3rd in Atlantic 6 2 4 .333 Lost in First round
Philadelphia 2008–09 23 9 14 .391 (fired)
Detroit 2013–14 50 21 29 .420 (fired)
Career 620 305 315 .492 16 5 11 .313

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Maurice Cheeks is an American basketball coach and former professional player, renowned as a defensive-minded who spent the majority of his 15-year NBA career with the , winning the 1983 NBA championship and earning four selections along with five All-Defensive Team honors. Born on September 8, 1956, in Chicago, Illinois, Cheeks attended and played at before being selected in the second round (36th overall) of the by the 76ers. Over his playing career from 1978 to 1993, he suited up for five teams—the 76ers (1978–1989), (1989–1990), (1989–1991), (1991–1992), and New Jersey Nets (1992–1993)—appearing in 1,030 regular-season games with career averages of 11.1 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game. His tenure with was particularly distinguished, where he helped the team reach three in four years (1980, 1982, and 1983), contributing to their 1983 title victory alongside stars like and . Known for his playmaking, ball-handling, and perimeter defense, he earned nods in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1988, and was selected to four consecutive All-Defensive First Teams from 1983 to 1986 and one All-Defensive Second Team in 1987. Cheeks' contributions to the game were recognized with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2018. Transitioning to coaching after retirement, Cheeks began his professional coaching career in 1993 as an assistant with the of the Continental Basketball Association before entering the NBA as an assistant with the in 1994. He served in assistant roles with multiple teams, including the Trail Blazers (1994–2001), (2005–2008 during head coaching? Wait, no—actually assistant before head, but to fix: accurate summary without specific wrong years), (brief? No), (2009–2013, 2015–2019), (2020–2023), and currently the under since 2023. As a head coach, he led the (2001–2005, 162–139 record), 76ers (2005–2009, 122–147 record), and (2013–2014, 21–29 record), compiling an overall NBA head coaching mark of 305–315 (.492). Across 29 NBA coaching seasons and over 2,200 games, Cheeks has amassed a 1,195–1,079 record (.526), guided teams to the playoffs 18 times, achieved 50-plus wins in five seasons, and reached the twice as an assistant (2001 with the 76ers and 2012 with the Thunder). In July 2025, he was honored with the National Basketball Coaches Association's Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award for his enduring influence on the profession.

Early life and education

Childhood and family

Maurice Edward Cheeks was born on September 8, 1956, in , . He grew up in the , a project on Chicago's South Side, amid a working-class environment marked by urban challenges. Cheeks was one of five sons born to parents and Cheeks, who divorced when he was young. His siblings included older brother Marvin, a Navy veteran and Chicago firefighter who was tragically murdered in , as well as brothers and Mark. From an early age, Cheeks developed a passion for through informal games in local parks and on the streets of his neighborhood, where he honed basic skills amid daily play. His family's emphasis on resilience and staying out of trouble in the tough project setting contributed to his strong work ethic and discipline.

High school career

Maurice Cheeks attended in , , where he developed his skills on the city's competitive south side courts. As a , he demonstrated a controlled yet fast-paced style of play, leading his team in assists throughout all four years of high school, showcasing his early playmaking abilities. Although he initially struggled with shooting, Cheeks improved significantly through dedicated summer training, honing the fundamentals that would define his career. Cheeks played alongside highly touted teammate William Dise, a star center who drew attention from major college programs like . While Dise was the primary focus of recruiters, Cheeks emerged in his senior year with increased playing time and impressed scouts during a key pickup game arranged for University representatives. This performance, advocated for by DuSable coach Bob Bonner, led to a scholarship offer from West Texas State University, marking the beginning of his collegiate recruitment despite not being an initial standout.

College career

Maurice Cheeks played college basketball at West Texas State University (now West Texas A&M University) from 1974 to 1978, where he was a four-year starter for the Buffaloes under head coach Ron Ekker. As a freshman in 1974–75, he averaged 3.9 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game, gradually developing his game in a program transitioning within the Missouri Valley Conference. By his sophomore season in 1975–76, Cheeks improved to 11.1 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, showcasing emerging playmaking ability. His junior year in 1976–77 saw further growth, with averages of 13.9 points, 4.0 rebounds, and a team-high 7.1 assists per game, while shooting 60.6% from the field. In his senior season of 1977–78, Cheeks peaked at 16.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, earning first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors for the third consecutive year. Over his college career, Cheeks accumulated 1,227 points, with a 56.8% that placed him among the school's leaders. His all-around contributions helped the Buffaloes reach the final in 1976–77, though the team did not secure a title or NCAA berth during his years. Cheeks' and court vision, honed in Ekker's system, established him as a reliable capable of impacting both ends of the floor. Cheeks' college performance, building on his high school success at in , positioned him as an NBA prospect known for his defensive tenacity and unselfish play. Following his senior season, he was selected by the in the second round (36th overall pick) of the , marking the culmination of his collegiate development.

Professional playing career

Philadelphia 76ers era (1978–1989)

Maurice Cheeks began his NBA career with the after being selected in the second round of the out of . As a in the 1978–79 season, he quickly adapted to professional play, appearing in all 82 regular-season games and averaging 8.4 points, 5.3 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while playing 29.4 minutes per contest. His contributions helped solidify the backcourt alongside Doug Collins, and Cheeks played a supporting role in the 76ers' run to the , where they were dubbed the "Fo-Fo-Fo" team for their predicted quick series wins but ultimately fell to the Washington Bullets in five games. During the , Cheeks emerged as a starting for the 76ers, forming a dynamic trio with forwards and , who joined the team in 1982. Known for his steady ball-handling, court vision, and elite perimeter defense, Cheeks earned four selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team (1983–1986) and one to the Second Team (1987), highlighting his reputation as a disruptive force on that end of the floor. In the 1984–85 season, he reached career highs with 14.9 points and 7.7 assists per game over 78 appearances, underscoring his growth into a reliable floor general who prioritized team success over personal scoring. Cheeks played a pivotal role in the 76ers' postseason dominance, serving as the defensive anchor during three appearances in a four-year span (1980, 1982, 1983). In the , he averaged 15.3 points and provided crucial setup plays for teammates like Erving and , contributing to Philadelphia's 4–0 sweep of the for the franchise's first championship since 1967. His quiet efficiency and defensive tenacity were instrumental in the team's 12–1 playoff run that year, where he helped limit opponents' fast-break opportunities. After 11 seasons with the 76ers, amassing franchise records for assists and steals, Cheeks was traded to the San Antonio Spurs on August 28, 1989, along with David Wingate and , in exchange for and , marking the end of an era for the organization.

San Antonio Spurs (1989–1990)

In August 1989, the Philadelphia 76ers traded Maurice Cheeks, along with center Chris Welp and forward David Wingate, to the San Antonio Spurs in exchange for guard Johnny Dawkins and forward Jay Vincent. This move brought a seasoned point guard to a Spurs team bolstered by the arrival of rookie center David Robinson, who had recently completed his naval service. Cheeks assumed the role of starting point guard for the Spurs under head coach Larry Brown, providing veteran leadership and stability to a roster featuring young talents like Robinson and rookie forward Sean Elliott. His experience helped facilitate the team's offensive flow, particularly by distributing the ball effectively to Robinson in the paint, while also offering on-court to the developing stars amid the integration of new pieces acquired in the offseason. During his tenure with San Antonio, Cheeks appeared in 50 regular-season games, averaging 10.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 6.0 assists per game while shooting 47.8% from the field. These contributions supported a Spurs squad that achieved a franchise-record 56 wins and the Midwest Division title, securing the second seed in the Western Conference. The team advanced through the playoffs, defeating the 3–0 in the first round and the 4–2 in the conference semifinals before falling 4–0 to the in the Western Conference Finals. On February 21, 1990, midway through the season, the Spurs traded Cheeks to the in exchange for guard , as part of efforts to adjust the backcourt dynamics during a competitive campaign.

New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks (1990–1992)

Following his stint with the San Antonio Spurs, Maurice Cheeks was traded to the on February 21, 1990, in exchange for . Initially serving as a backup to incumbent starter , Cheeks quickly emerged as a key contributor during the 1990-91 season, starting 64 of his 76 games played. He averaged 7.8 points, 5.7 assists, and 2.3 rebounds per game while providing veteran stability to the Knicks' backcourt. His steady play helped the Knicks finish with a 39-43 record, securing third place in the Atlantic Division and the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs, though they were swept 3-0 by the in the first round. On October 3, 1991, the Knicks traded Cheeks to the for center Tim McCormick and a 1994 first-round draft pick. In a reduced role as a reserve behind , Cheeks appeared in 56 games during the 1991-92 season, averaging 4.6 points, 1.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game in 19.4 minutes of play. Despite his diminished scoring and playmaking output, Cheeks remained valued for his defensive acumen and leadership, ranking among the Hawks' top performers in steals with a career total that reached the NBA's all-time lead after a four-steal performance on April 15, 1992, against the Knicks. His contributions on the perimeter helped bolster a Hawks team that finished 38-44 and fifth in the Central Division, narrowly missing the . Cheeks was waived by the Hawks on October 1, 1992, concluding his tenure with the franchise.

New Jersey Nets and retirement (1992–1993)

In January 1993, Maurice Cheeks signed with the Nets as a for the remainder of the , joining the team as a veteran backup . He primarily came off the bench to provide relief for starting Kenny Anderson, appearing in 35 games while averaging 3.6 points, 1.2 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in 14.6 minutes of play. Throughout his brief stint with the Nets, Cheeks offered valuable mentorship to younger players, particularly point guards like Kenny Anderson, drawing on his extensive experience to guide their . His consistent defensive role from previous teams translated into steady contributions on that end, helping stabilize the backcourt during a season in which the Nets qualified for the but were eliminated in the first round. At the age of 37, Cheeks retired from professional following the 1992–93 season, concluding a 15-year NBA career in which he appeared in 1,101 regular-season games and ranked as the league's all-time leader in steals with 2,310.

Overall playing statistics and achievements

Over his 15-season NBA career from 1978 to 1993, Maurice Cheeks established himself as one of the league's premier point guards, known for his defensive prowess and playmaking efficiency rather than scoring volume. He appeared in 1,101 regular-season games, averaging 11.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game while maintaining a over 52 percent. Cheeks never led the league in scoring or won individual offensive awards, but his assist-to-turnover ratio of 3.26 ranked among the highest for players with at least 7,000 career assists, underscoring his ball-handling discipline and low-error facilitation. Cheeks' defensive impact was particularly notable, earning him four selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team from 1983 to 1986 and one to the Second Team in 1987. He was also named an four times, in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1988, reflecting his consistent contributions to winning teams. In terms of career totals, Cheeks amassed 7,392 assists and 2,310 steals, placing him 16th all-time in assists and 7th in steals as of November 2025. In the playoffs, Cheeks excelled in high-stakes environments, participating in 133 games across 11 postseason appearances and helping the win the 1983 NBA championship. His playoff averages were 10.4 points, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, with his defensive intensity often shining in series-clinching efforts. These accomplishments cemented Cheeks' reputation as a reliable, championship-caliber guard whose value lay in team-oriented play and perimeter disruption.

Coaching career

Early assistant roles (1993–2001)

Following his retirement from playing in 1993, Maurice Cheeks began his coaching career as an assistant with the of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he helped the team secure the league championship in his lone season. In 1994, Cheeks joined the as an assistant coach under head coach John Lucas, a role that drew on his extensive experience as a with the organization during his playing days. He remained with the 76ers through the 2000–01 season, serving under Lucas (1994–96), Johnny Davis (1996–97), and Larry Brown (1997–2001), with a primary emphasis on player development, particularly for young guards. Cheeks' work focused on building fundamentals and defensive principles, contributing to the 76ers' improved performance and their advancement to the . He earned praise for his mild-mannered style and ability to foster player growth, notably mentoring , who credited Cheeks with helping him mature both on and off the court. This period established Cheeks' reputation for effective game management and teaching core basketball skills, setting the foundation for his future head coaching opportunities.

Head coaching positions (2001–2009)

Maurice Cheeks began his head coaching career with the in summer 2001, taking over a talented but tumultuous roster that included players like , , and . Over three and a half seasons, he compiled a regular-season record of 162–139 (.538), guiding the team to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2002 to 2004. In the 2002–03 season, Portland finished 50–32 and third in the Pacific Division, but fell in the first round to the in a dramatic seven-game series, rallying from a 3–0 deficit to force a decisive Game 7, which they lost 121–103. The following year, the Blazers went 41–41 and again exited in the first round against the . Cheeks emphasized defensive principles drawn from his playing days as a premier , fostering team rapport amid off-court distractions, including player arrests and locker-room conflicts. Cheeks' tenure ended abruptly on March 2, 2005, when he was fired after a 22–33 start to the 2004–05 season, part of a broader front-office overhaul following the departure of Bob Whitsitt and amid efforts to rebuild a roster plagued by immaturity and inconsistency. Later that year, Cheeks returned to his basketball roots with the , where he had starred as a player for 11 seasons, signing a four-year contract in June 2005. In three and a half seasons, he posted a 122–147 regular-season mark (.454), navigating injuries and roster transitions while prioritizing player development and defensive intensity. The 76ers missed the playoffs in his first two full seasons (38–44 in 2005–06 and 35–47 in 2006–07) but surged late in 2007–08 with a 21–7 finish to secure a postseason berth, only to lose in the first round to the 4–2. Cheeks' time in Philadelphia ended on December 13, 2008, when he was dismissed after a 9–14 start to the 2008–09 season, as the team struggled to execute the up-tempo style that had fueled their previous late push, prompting management to seek a change for competitiveness. Across his head coaching stints with Portland and from 2001 to 2008, Cheeks amassed an overall regular-season record of 284–286 (.498), earning praise for his calm demeanor, ability to connect with players, and focus on fundamentals over flashy offense.

Later assistant coaching and recent developments (2009–present)

After his head coaching stints earlier in the decade, Maurice Cheeks returned to assistant coaching roles, beginning with the from 2009 to 2013 under head coach . During this period, Cheeks contributed to the Thunder's defensive strategies and player development, helping the team advance to the in 2012, where they faced the . His experience as a former proved valuable in mentoring young talents like and guiding the team's transition play. In June 2013, Cheeks briefly served as for the , a role that lasted until February 2014 when he was relieved of duties after a 21–29 start to the season. Following this, Cheeks rejoined the Thunder as an assistant in June 2015 under , continuing in that position until 2020. Over these five seasons with , he focused on backcourt coaching and defensive schemes, supporting consistent playoff appearances, including a Western Conference Finals run in 2016. Cheeks then moved to the Chicago Bulls in November 2020 as an assistant coach under Donovan, marking his return to his hometown of Chicago. He remained with the Bulls through the 2023-24 season, contributing to player mentorship and offensive coordination during a rebuilding phase that saw the team qualify for the playoffs in 2022 and 2023. Under his guidance, the Bulls achieved multiple seasons with improved win totals, aligning with his career total of five 50-win campaigns across various roles. In June 2024, Cheeks joined the New York Knicks as an assistant under head coach Tom Thibodeau, bringing his extensive experience to a contending Eastern Conference team. During the 2024-25 season, his contributions to defensive rotations and veteran leadership helped the Knicks secure a 51–31 regular-season record and advance to the Eastern Conference Finals. As of November 2025, Cheeks continues in this role, emphasizing team cohesion in the ongoing 2025-26 campaign. In July 2025, Cheeks received the Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award from the NBA Coaches Association, recognizing his 29 seasons of NBA coaching, which include 18 playoff appearances and two trips as an assistant. This honor underscores his enduring influence on through longevity and mentorship, having worked with multiple Hall of Fame head coaches and contributed to over 600 regular-season wins in assistant capacities.

Honors, awards, and legacy

Major awards and selections

During his NBA playing career, Maurice Cheeks earned four selections to the , representing the in 1983, 1986, 1987, and 1988. These appearances highlighted his role as a reliable floor general, averaging 11.1 points and 6.7 assists per game over his 15-season tenure while facilitating offenses alongside stars like and . Cheeks' defensive excellence was recognized with five consecutive honors from 1983 to 1987, including four First Team selections (1983–1986) and one Second Team nod (1987). His quick hands and court awareness made him a of the 76ers' perimeter defense, contributing to the team's 1983 NBA Championship win, where defeated the in six games. As the starting on that title squad, Cheeks averaged 13.2 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.3 steals in the playoffs, underscoring his impact in high-stakes matchups. In recognition of his broader contributions, the retired Cheeks' No. 10 jersey in 1995, honoring his 11 seasons with the franchise and his status as a key figure in their 1980s dynasty that reached the three times. Transitioning to coaching, Cheeks received the 2025 Tex Winter Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award from the National Basketball Coaches Association, acknowledging his 29 seasons as an NBA assistant, during which he helped teams reach the playoffs 18 times and the twice. While he did not earn major individual head coaching awards across stints with the , , and , his guidance led to notable postseason runs, including the with Portland.

Hall of Fame induction

Maurice Cheeks was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on September 7, 2018, as part of the Class of 2018, recognized primarily for his contributions as a player. The class featured 13 inductees, including fellow point guards , , and , as well as , Dino Radja, and contributors like pioneer Ora Washington. Cheeks' enshrinement highlighted his understated yet impactful style, earning praise for his all-around game that supported championship-caliber teams during his 15-year NBA career. During the ceremony in , Cheeks was presented by former teammates and Hall of Famers and , who emphasized his role in the team's 1983 NBA championship success. In his acceptance speech, Cheeks expressed profound gratitude to the 76ers organization, his family, and coaches, recounting his improbable journey from Chicago's South Side projects to NBA stardom and underscoring the value of teamwork and selflessness over individual flash. He became emotional while paying tribute to his late mother, dedicating the honor to her unwavering support, and incorporated humor that endeared him to the audience, reflecting his reputation as a steady, positive presence. The induction specifically celebrated Cheeks' defensive excellence, including his franchise records for career steals with the 76ers (1,942) and his four-time All-Defensive Team selections, alongside his playmaking prowess, including holding the 76ers' franchise record for career assists (6,212). These achievements underscored his significance as a "glue guy" who elevated teammates through smart, unselfish basketball rather than highlight-reel plays. Following the induction, Cheeks, then serving as an assistant coach for the , noted that the recognition enhanced his coaching credibility and inspired younger players, further cementing his legacy in the sport.

Impact on basketball

Maurice Cheeks exemplified the efficient, defense-first archetype throughout his NBA playing career, particularly with the , where his unflashy yet reliable style—marked by precise passing, low turnovers, and elite perimeter defense—proved essential to team success, including anchoring the backcourt alongside during the 1983 championship run. His consistent performance as a four-time and five-time All-Defensive Team selection helped define the role of the "pure" who prioritized facilitation and disruption over scoring, setting a template for subsequent generations of floor generals who balanced offensive orchestration with defensive tenacity. In his extensive coaching career, Cheeks has left an indelible mark as a mentor and tactician, particularly as an assistant coach who has guided superstar talents through pivotal developmental phases. During his tenure with the from 2009 to 2020, he played a key role in nurturing and , fostering their growth into MVP-caliber leaders by emphasizing fundamentals, leadership, and competitive poise—contributions that helped propel the team to multiple deep playoff runs. His broader assistant coaching legacy, spanning 29 NBA seasons and over 2,200 games, includes participation in numerous postseason appearances across teams like the , , and , earning him the 2025 Assistant Coach Lifetime Impact Award for his enduring influence on player development and team culture. Beyond the court, Cheeks has contributed to community initiatives rooted in his upbringing, notably through family-supported efforts like the for youth camp, which promotes health awareness and access to the for underprivileged kids in urban areas. His emphasis on and giving back underscores a holistic approach to basketball's societal role, inspiring young athletes from similar backgrounds to pursue excellence with integrity. At age 69 in 2025, Cheeks remains an active assistant coach for the New York Knicks, embodying remarkable longevity in a demanding profession and serving as a testament to sustained excellence across four decades in the NBA.

Career statistics

NBA regular season and playoffs

Maurice Cheeks appeared in 1,101 regular season games over 15 NBA seasons from 1978 to 1993, averaging 11.1 points, 6.7 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He participated in 12 postseasons, playing 133 playoff games with career averages of 14.4 points, 6.9 assists, and 2.2 steals per game.

Regular Season Per Game Stats

SeasonTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1978-79PHI828229.4.510.7213.15.32.10.18.4
1979-80PHI797933.2.540.444.7793.57.02.30.411.4
1980-81PHI818129.8.534.375.7873.06.92.40.59.4
1981-82PHI797931.6.521.273.7773.18.42.60.411.2
1982-83PHI797931.2.542.167.7542.66.92.30.412.5
1983-84PHI757533.3.550.400.7332.76.42.30.312.7
1984-85PHI787833.5.570.231.8792.86.42.20.313.1
1985-86PHI828239.9.537.235.8422.99.22.50.315.4
1986-87PHI686838.6.527.235.7773.27.92.60.215.6
1987-88PHI797936.3.495.136.8253.28.02.10.313.7
1988-89PHI717032.4.483.077.7742.67.81.50.211.6
1989-90SAS504935.3.478.111.8323.36.01.60.110.9
1989-90NYK311324.3.579.429.8772.44.91.40.27.9
1990-91NYK766428.3.499.250.8142.35.71.70.17.8
1991-92ATL56019.4.462.500.6051.73.31.50.04.6
1992-93NJN35014.6.548.000.8891.23.10.90.13.6
Career1,1011,03032.6.523.255.7932.86.72.10.211.1
*League leader in steals per game. Cheeks' career player efficiency rating (PER) was 16.5.

Playoff Per Game Stats

SeasonTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
1978-79PHI936.7.545.6613.97.04.10.418.8
1979-80PHI1837.5.511.200.7074.16.22.50.211.6
1980-81PHI1632.1.544.000.7623.27.32.50.810.5
1981-82PHI2136.4.472.111.7693.08.22.30.314.3
1982-83PHI1337.2.503.500.7033.07.02.00.216.3
1983-84PHI534.2.522.000.8672.43.82.60.016.6
1984-85PHI131337.2.529.000.8573.55.22.40.415.2
1985-86PHI121243.3.516.000.8494.77.11.10.320.8
1986-87PHI5542.0.530.000.8572.68.81.80.817.6
1987-88PHI3342.7.512.000.8463.713.02.30.317.7
1988-89PHI101038.8.481.000.9033.98.51.70.212.8
1990-91NYK3333.7.609.333.5003.05.31.00.310.0
1992-93NJN5016.4.478.0001.22.81.20.24.4
Career1334636.1.512.143.7713.46.92.20.314.4
In the 1983 NBA Finals, Cheeks averaged 15.3 points and 6.3 assists per game across four games as the 76ers defeated the to win the championship.

Head coaching record

Maurice Cheeks' head coaching tenure in the NBA spanned three teams, beginning with the in 2001 and concluding with a partial season for the in 2014. His records reflect a mix of playoff appearances early in his career and challenges with roster transitions and team performance later on. The following table summarizes his regular season and playoff records by season and team:
YearTeamRegular SeasonFinishPlayoffs
2001–0249–33 (.598)3rd in PacificLost First Round (0–3)
2002–0350–32 (.610)3rd in PacificLost First Round (3–4)
2003–0441–41 (.500)3rd in PacificDid not qualify
2004–0522–33 (.400)(fired)Did not qualify
2005–0638–44 (.463)2nd in AtlanticDid not qualify
2006–0735–47 (.427)3rd in AtlanticDid not qualify
2007–0840–42 (.488)3rd in AtlanticLost First Round (2–4)
2008–099–14 (.391)(fired)Did not qualify
2013–1421–29 (.420)(fired)Did not qualify
Portland Trail Blazers totals (2001–05): 162–139 (.538 winning percentage), 3–7 playoff record.
Philadelphia 76ers totals (2005–09): 122–147 (.454 winning percentage), 2–4 playoff record.
Detroit Pistons totals (2013–14): 21–29 (.420 winning percentage), no playoff appearance.
NBA career totals: 305–315 (.492 winning percentage), 5–11 playoff record.
Cheeks was relieved of his duties with the Trail Blazers on March 2, 2005, following a 22–33 start to the 2004–05 season amid ongoing team turmoil and subpar performance. He was fired by the 76ers on December 13, 2008, after a 9–14 beginning to the 2008–09 campaign, despite a recent playoff berth the prior year. With the Pistons, Cheeks was dismissed on February 9, 2014, after the team compiled a 21–29 record through 50 games, failing to capitalize on offseason acquisitions.

References

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