6ers fire Cheeks

[DC4]

The Philadelphia 76ers fired coach Maurice Cheeks on Saturday, sources told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Sean O'Hair

Cheeks
Assistant general manager Tony DiLeo will be the interim head coach for the remainder of the season, the sources said.

Cheeks' deal with the 76ers, who started the season 9-14, was guaranteed through next season.

The team scheduled an afternoon news conference with general manager Ed Stefanski

After signing Elton Brand to a five-year deal worth nearly $80 million in the offseason, the Sixers have looked nothing like last season's up-tempo squad that advanced to the playoffs.

The 76ers had lost eight of 10 games entering Saturday night's game against the Washington Wizards in Philadelphia.

Cheeks, who as a player helped the Sixers earn three berths in the NBA Finals in 1980, '82 and '83, was in his fourth season as coach of the team after four years of coaching the Portland Trail Blazers.

The dismissal came hours before the 76ers were to play at home Saturday night, with DiLeo now making his coaching debut. DiLeo has spent 19 seasons with the 76ers. He was promoted to senior vice president/assistant general manager in 2003.

Cheeks became the fifth NBA coach fired this season following P.J. Carlesimo (Oklahoma City), Eddie Jordan (Washington), Sam Mitchell (Toronto) and Randy Wittman (Minnesota).

Cheeks led the 76ers to the playoffs last year for the first time while he was coach. Philadelphia was one of the surprise teams in the East last season, and the 76ers anticipated a deep run in the playoffs this year.

Last season, the 76ers lost in the first round to Detroit. After an 18-30 start, Philadelphia won 18 of its next 23 games and wound up at 40-42, the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference.

Stefanski rewarded Cheeks with two contract extensions in seven months that would have taken him to the end of next season. Instead, with the team on a three-game losing streak and last in the Atlantic Division, he didn't even last until the end of the calendar year.

He played 15 seasons in the NBA, the first 11 with Philadelphia, and retired in 1993. An outstanding defensive player, Cheeks played in four All-Star games and was a member of the 76ers' championship team in 1982-83. His No. 10 jersey hangs in the rafters.

 

[Lake Louise]

It was just a matter of time until 6ers were going to join the number of other teams and fire the coach. They have always seemed to be a thorn in the Pistons side, and already beat them once this year, but they are definately under expectations they had going into this year from last. Especially with the addition of Elton Brand to the lineup. They could miss or make the playoffs, it all depends but at this rate, it looks like they might miss out. Unless, they turn it around with another inspiring surge, like they had last year to sneak into the playoffs.

 

[.GR]

When will it be Reggie's turn?

 

[.loggie]

another case where its not the coach. philly just hasnt been clicking with Elton Brand this season.

 

[.s31t]

They're gonna keep falling.
They all should of signed Avery last season.

 

[The Young One]

another case where its not the coach. philly just hasnt been clicking with Elton Brand this season.

Its both sides. He's not motivating the guys and players are underperforming I want avery for our next coach.

 

[Mexi]

When will it be Reggie's turn?

why do you want him fired?
for who he has on his roster and with all the injuries, he is doing a great job.
firing him would be stupid. it's not like anyone else would do better. they'd probably do worse

 

[Mexi]

high profile coaches signing doesnt happen mid season.
if they hire someone like Avery it would be in summer

 

[The Young One]

high profile coaches signing doesnt happen mid season.
if they hire someone like Avery it would be in summer

We are the sixers man we could make it happen.

 

[Mexi]

its not that they cant, its that they wont

these big name caches need training camp. they cant just do it mid season

and i've heard Eddie Jordan as the new coach possibly next season

 

[The Young One]

Ugh i wouldnt mind eddie either.

 

[Lake Louise]

Apparently, a coaching change is what they needed. Or so it seems.

Sixers beat the Wizards 104-89. Brand with 27, Green with 13, Iguodala with 14 & Dalmbert with 17 boards.

 

[DC4]

Apparently, a coaching change is what they needed. Or so it seems.

Sixers beat the Wizards 104-89. Brand with 27, Green with 13, Iguodala with 14 & Dalmbert with 17 boards.

That was beginners luck...j/k Hopefully it can stay that way...

 

[The Young One]

That was beginners luck...j/k Hopefully it can stay that way...

We arent going anywhere thats gonna stay